Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha on Monday, asserted that his side is “well-prepared” for whatever challenge posed by home side Pakistan in the upcoming two-match Test series, starting on August 21.
“We are prepared for whatever challenge Pakistan throws at us,” Hathurusingha said.
Hathurusingha further shared that Bangladesh, mirroring Pakistan’s strategy, also developed a strong contingent of pacers as the pitch for the opening Test is anticipated to favour the quick bowlers.
“The Pindi pitch appears favourable for both fast bowling and batting. Considering Pakistan’s selection, we have also developed a strong contingent of fast bowlers.
He, however, emphasized that the inclusion of all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was based on merit to provide spin options.
“We expected Pakistan’s wickets to be different from Bangladesh and selected spinners based on merit, not just conditions,” said Hathurusingha.
“We are pleased with our preparations and look forward to the challenge,” Chandika Hathurusingha concluded.
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The two-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.
The second match of the series was originally scheduled to take place at National Stadium, Karachi.
However, owing to the renovation work currently underway at the venue, the PCB, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to shift the match to Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.
Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
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