Tim Southee expects spin to rule the roost in Bangladesh Tests

Tim Southee. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Tim Southee, New Zealand’s Test captain, is expecting a spin-friendly pitch in Bangladesh as the two sides are all set to lock horns in the two-match Test series. The first match is scheduled to be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet from November 28, Tuesday.

Drawing from their recent stints in the subcontinent, New Zealand have bolstered its lineup with five spinners. Despite this, the 34-year-old fast bowler anticipates a challenging Test series ahead.

“It is foreign conditions compared to New Zealand. Pace plays a big role in New Zealand. Spin historically plays a big role in this part of the world. Our spinners have done some great things in Tests. We are looking forward to them showcasing their skills. It won’t be easy to just get the (WTC) points. We know that Bangladesh are a great side in these conditions. I would imagine a hard-fought Test series,” Southee was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“It is a different role than what we are used to back in New Zealand. We have three seamers here that offer different strengths. It is a collective bowling unit wherever you play in the world. Everyone chips in different ways. Spin doesn’t play a big part in New Zealand but they will play a bigger role in Bangladesh,” he added.

We should be able to challenge New Zealand with our spinners and batters: Shanto

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto shared insights into his impending debut as captain in Test cricket. Having captained the team in three ODIs since September, filling in for the injured regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, Shanto expressed his readiness for the challenge. Despite no experience in leading the team in the longest format, the 25-year-old is optimistic about the team’s ability to pose a challenge to the Kiwis, particularly relying on their spinners and batters to make an impact in home conditions.

“It is hard to pinpoint what I learned from those two games (in the World Cup). It was a different format, too. I figured out small things like how to handle certain things in different situations. New Zealand is a good team. They are strong. They will be challenging in the Test series. But since we are playing at home, we should be able to challenge them with our spinners and batters. If things go to plan, we can beat this team,” Shanto said.

The youngster also holds the belief that appointing a Bangladesh captain should ideally be done with a long-term perspective in mind.

“It helps to plan better. I hope the board also considers a long-term captain. But I don’t think the players are thinking too much about this. A captain will perform his duty. A team always does well when everyone does their particular work,” the 25-year-old added.