Shanto urges cultural shift in Test cricket ahead of series opener | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Friday
June 13, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025
Shanto urges cultural shift in Test cricket ahead of series opener

Sports

TBS Report
19 April, 2025, 07:55 pm
Last modified: 19 April, 2025, 08:00 pm

Related News

  • Miraz’s all-round heroics seal series-leveling win
  • Miraz overtakes Shakib to become sixth fastest to 2000 runs and 200 wickets
  • Shadman shines with ton as late collapse dents Bangladesh
  • Taijul’s early blow wraps up Zimbabwe innings at 227
  • Critics who judge after just one match don’t understand the game, says Taijul

Shanto urges cultural shift in Test cricket ahead of series opener

Shanto acknowledged that it is unfortunate to still be discussing the need for a Test culture after two and a half decades. However, he pointed to recent improvements, including four wins in twelve matches during the latest World Test Championship cycle—some of which came against top-tier sides.

TBS Report
19 April, 2025, 07:55 pm
Last modified: 19 April, 2025, 08:00 pm
Shanto urges cultural shift in Test cricket ahead of series opener

As Bangladesh prepare to face Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series starting 20 April at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed both frustration and hope—highlighting the long-standing absence of a Test cricket culture in the country, while vowing to usher in a new era beginning with this series.

Shanto acknowledged that it is unfortunate to still be discussing the need for a Test culture after two and a half decades. However, he pointed to recent improvements, including four wins in twelve matches during the latest World Test Championship cycle—some of which came against top-tier sides. He also noted that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has begun taking the format more seriously by increasing pay for Test specialists and working towards better playing conditions, moving away from over-reliance on spin-friendly pitches at home.

He confirmed that the team, in collaboration with new head coach Phil Simmons, has been actively discussing strategies to create a lasting Test identity. "Since last year, we've been speaking about how we want to shape our Test side and play our cricket. The coach has shared his vision and has consulted with us players as well. We hope that in the five or six Tests scheduled this year, people will see something different, Inshallah."

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

When asked about the specific challenge of playing Zimbabwe, Shanto dismissed the notion of 'small' and 'big' teams. "We're not thinking in terms of Zimbabwe or Ireland being lesser opponents. That idea comes more from outside—fans or media. For us, every opponent demands the same respect. The mindset we take into this series should be no different from what we'd take into a match against South Africa or Australia."

Historically, Bangladesh have fared better against Zimbabwe at home, but Shanto remains cautious. He emphasised that the goal is to play good, winning cricket without complacency. "As captain, I want us to go into every match with the intent to win. There's no room for selfish cricket here. This is a chance to try new things, and that starts tomorrow."

On the topic of team selection and the wicketkeeping position, Shanto kept his cards close, saying with a smile, "Everyone is ready. It's a healthy competition. You'll know after the toss tomorrow who's keeping."

Beyond tactics and team composition, Shanto also addressed the mental and institutional support needed to sustain this new direction. He mentioned the importance of appropriate facilities—particularly practice wickets that mimic international conditions—and called on the BCB to ensure such infrastructure is available in domestic cricket. He added that discussions have taken place with the board about supporting players during transitional phases, especially those who may initially underperform as the team works to establish a new identity. "Not every change produces immediate results. If someone fails early on, they still deserve backing. I believe the board will support those players."

Bangladesh have played 150 Test matches to date, winning just 22. Of 79 home Tests, they have won 13; and of 71 away matches, only 9 have ended in victory. Despite these modest numbers, Shanto remains optimistic. Recalling last year's whitewash over Pakistan away and a resilient win in the West Indies, he believes there are signs of genuine progress. At just 26, Shanto is determined to leave a mark as a leader and transform the country's approach to the longest format of the game. "In the past 20 to 22 years, we've made very little progress in Test cricket. Clearly, some change is necessary—and we're thinking seriously about how to make it happen. I hope that change starts to bear fruit this year."

Cricket

Najmul Hossain Shanto / Bangladesh VS Zimbabwe

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser  Muhammad Yunus meet at Dorchester Hotel in London, UK on 13 June 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    National polls possible in 2nd week of February, agree Yunus, Tarique in 'historic' London meeting
  • BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury speaks at a joint press briefing after a high-level meeting of CA Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on 13 June. Photo: CA's Press Wing
    BNP satisfied with Yunus-Tarique meeting outcome: Khasru
  • National Security Adviser and Chief Adviser’s High Representative Khalilur Rahman (2nd from left) speaks at a joint press briefing after a high-level meeting of CA Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman in London on 13 June 2025. Photo: CA's Press Wing
    Election Commission will announce election date soon, hopes Khalilur

MOST VIEWED

  • Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner showing part of its registration "VT-ANB" in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
    Air India Dreamliner crashes into Ahmedabad college hostel, kills over 290
  • File Photo of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus: UNB
    Prof Yunus to receive Harmony Award from King Charles today
  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. TBS Sketch
    Bangladesh mulls settlements with tycoons over offshore wealth: BB governor tells FT
  • Railway seeks Tk2,000cr foreign loans to revive coach assembly, modernise workshops
    Railway seeks Tk2,000cr foreign loans to revive coach assembly, modernise workshops
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus
    Disclosure of unconfirmed Yunus-Starmer meeting shows ‘diplomatic imprudence’: Analysts
  • Brother sues Latifur's daughter, widow over alleged forgery to seize control of Transcom
    Brother sues Latifur's daughter, widow over alleged forgery to seize control of Transcom

Related News

  • Miraz’s all-round heroics seal series-leveling win
  • Miraz overtakes Shakib to become sixth fastest to 2000 runs and 200 wickets
  • Shadman shines with ton as late collapse dents Bangladesh
  • Taijul’s early blow wraps up Zimbabwe innings at 227
  • Critics who judge after just one match don’t understand the game, says Taijul

Features

Photos: Collected

Kurtis that make a great office wear

44m | Mode
Among pet birds in the country, lovebirds are the most common, and they are also the most numerous in the haat. Photo: Junayet Rashel

Where feathers meet fortune: How a small pigeon stall became Dhaka’s premiere bird market

1d | Panorama
Illustration: Duniya Jahan/ TBS

Forget Katy Perry, here’s Bangladesh’s Ruthba Yasmin shooting for the moon

2d | Features
File photo of Eid holidaymakers returning to the capital from their country homes/Rajib Dhar

Dhaka: The city we never want to return to, but always do

4d | Features

More Videos from TBS

'Historic' meeting between Yunus and Tarique underway in London

'Historic' meeting between Yunus and Tarique underway in London

2h | TBS Today
Iran warns Israel of severe retaliation

Iran warns Israel of severe retaliation

3h | TBS World
Global oil prices soar

Global oil prices soar

4h | TBS World
What did Iran say in response to the Israeli attack?

What did Iran say in response to the Israeli attack?

4h | TBS World
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net