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

Wednesday
June 11, 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
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 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

  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus speaks at the Chatham House in London on 11 June 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    CA Yunus outlines challenges, opportunities facing Bangladesh at Chatham House
  • File Photo: TBS
    DGHS issues 11-point directive to prevent spread of Covid-19 in Bangladesh
  • A man in a car uses his mobile phone as members of law enfocement stand guard on a road after curfew, as protests against federal immigration sweeps continue, in downtown Los Angeles, California, US June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis
    Trump wants to 'liberate' Los Angeles, residents say 'no thanks'

MOST VIEWED

  • Illustration: Duniya Jahan/ TBS
    Forget Katy Perry, here’s Bangladesh’s Ruthba Yasmin shooting for the moon
  • A file photo of Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur. Photo: Collected
    'I have no relation with this': Ahsan Mansur debunks Joy’s allegations over daughter’s Dubai flat
  • Faiz Ahmad Tayeb. Photo: BSS
    Import duty on raw materials for e-bikes, lithium batteries reduced from 80% to 1% in some cases: Faiz Taiyeb
  • Screengrab from video shows a group of local youths forcing tourists to leave a tourist spot in Utmachhra area of Sylhet's Companiganj on Sunday, 8 June 2025, citing allegations of obscene activities and environmental damage
    Locals declare tourist spot in Sylhet 'closed', force visitors to leave
  • Shakil Ahmed. Photo: Collected
    DU student allegedly hangs himself following threats over old derogatory comment about Prophet on Facebook
  • Photo shows the Land Cruiser Prado car belonging to former member of parliament (MP) Anwarul Azim Anar found in Kushtia. Photo: TBS
    Luxury car of ex-AL MP Anar, who was killed in Kolkata, found in Kushtia

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

Illustration: Duniya Jahan/ TBS

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

21h | 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

2d | Features
Photo collage shows political posters in Bagerhat. Photos: Jannatul Naym Pieal

From Sheikh Dynasty to sibling rivalry: Bagerhat signals a turning tide in local politics

4d | Bangladesh
Illustration: TBS

Unbearable weight of the white coat: The mental health crisis in our medical colleges

6d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

Foreign firm to draft merger plan for investment promotion agencies

Foreign firm to draft merger plan for investment promotion agencies

11m | TBS Insight
US-China London meeting ends as planned

US-China London meeting ends as planned

51m | TBS World
When will the heat wave subside?

When will the heat wave subside?

1h | TBS Today
Covid-19 testing to resume at hospitals amid rising infections

Covid-19 testing to resume at hospitals amid rising infections

2h | TBS Today
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