Bangladesh are set to face New Zealand in the first game of the two-match Test series under the Test Championship at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (November 28).
The match will begin at 9:30 am local time and will be aired on T Sports and GTV.
What to expect
A dustbowl to vanquish New Zealand. Bangladesh`s dominance at home has often come from playing in conditions that suit them best - and it is going to be a trial by spin for New Zealand. Expect a spinner to open the bowling in a Test match, especially with Taskin Ahmed ruled out. Expect 90 overs to be bowled in a jiffy, because the dust never settles on a subcontinental dustbowl. Rachin Ravindra vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mitchell Santner vs Taijul Islam. The one who plays spin better, and bowls spin better, will take the prize.
Bangladesh
Najmul Shanto has been appointed the new captain of the Bangladesh Test side. This development comes on the back of regular Test captain Shakib Al Hasan sustaining an injury in the World Cup, and the vice-captain Litton Das taking time off to be with his family. Hasan Murad, the left-arm spinner is an uncapped player picked in the squad, alongside Shahadat Hossain Dipu and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud, at least one of whom is likely to make their debut.
Probable XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hasan Shanto, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud.
New Zealand
Trent Boult has made himself unavailable for the tour, and Kyle Jamieson has been recalled to the squad after undergoing back surgery in February. Furthermore, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra have been recalled to the Test side after close to two years, joining Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi to form a four-pronged spin attack - five if you count Glenn Phillips.
Probable XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra/Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(wk), Tim Southee (c), Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel.
Squads
Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Shahadat Hossain, Hasan Murad, Naeem Hasan, Zakir Hasan.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee(c), Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Will Young, Ish Sodhi, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell.
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