Najmul backs Taskin ahead of Test comeback after prolonged absence

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain has backed pace bowler Taskin Ahmed, who is returning to Test cricket after an absence from the format for nearly two years.

Taskin, who played his last red-ball game against West Indies in 2024 and since then did not take part in any longer-format game at domestic circuit, is included in the opening Test of the two-match series against Pakistan, scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8.

"He (Taskin) has prepared very well. I think the preparation was a bit difficult because the weather was bad, but still, he managed his workload and bowled as much as he needed to (for featuring in Test cricket)," Najmul told reporters on Thursday.

"He bowled indoors for a few days, but whenever he got the chance, he did his work himself. He is a very experienced cricketer and knows exactly what needs to be done for his preparation. Regarding workload management, I am happy, and the physio and trainer are also happy, providing very good feedback. Thus, I hope Taskin will be able to bowl well in this Test match," he said.

"The best part is that Taskin always wants to play Test cricket. Unfortunately, keeping fitness, injury issues, or workload management in mind, we cannot always include him. But the good thing is he always wants to play. So, right now, before this Test, there was a long discussion with the trainer and physio, and he is fit to play. That is why he has been included. Taskin always-as you mentioned, he performed very well in the last series (against West Indies)," he said.

"Whenever Taskin is in the team, it becomes easier for the captain. We always get a lot of extra effort from him for the team. With that expectation, Taskin is back, and I hope he will do well in this series too," he said.

Najmul said that other pacers are well aware about their role and he feels their pace unit is better than Pakistan.

Najmul added that he is not ready to ask aggressive opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who earned his maiden call in Test set-up after being included in the 15-member squad for the series opener against Pakistan, to change his game style to accommodate for longer-format cricket.

"We have been discussing Tanzid Tamim for a long time. The new selector has made a very good decision. I personally feel the first innings is crucial for a team, both in batting and bowling," said Najmul.

"If conditions permit on a good wicket, scoring 400 or 400-plus is excellent. But we must understand that everyone's playing style is different. I do not want anyone to change their natural game. Scoring runs is important-whether it takes 80 overs or 120 overs to score 400, it does not matter," he added.

Najmul said that he is expecting sporting wicket in the Test series while added that he is expecting to be fourth or fifth in the next Test cycle.

"It is very important. We have played good cricket over the last two years, finishing in seventh place. I consider that a good achievement. We are slowly improving. This year, the target is to finish fourth or fifth; achieving that would be great. There are challenges, including several away tours like Australia and South Africa that will be entirely new for us. But the home series are extremely important," he said.

"We expect a good wicket. If you look at our team, our bowling attack is experienced. Several batters have been playing in this format for a long time. Our Test batting lineup is quite settled, having played multiple series together. Experience-wise, it is a strong team. Regardless of the wicket, we have quality pacers and spinners. A proper sporting wicket will be highly beneficial for us," he said adding that he feels his pace unit is better than their counterpart.

"In the pace bowling department, both teams have strong attacks. If I had to say, our pace attack has been slightly ahead in the last few years based on how they've been performing.

Pakistan are always known for their pace bowling, and there's no doubt they are a very strong pace-bowling side. But our fast bowlers have also improved a lot and deserve credit," he said.

"As a captain, it's difficult for me to compare teams directly. You are in a better position to judge which side is stronger," he said.

Najmul said that they are not think too far ahead and want to remain on the present as he feels there is no point thinking about a clean sweep at this point of time.

"I never personally think about plans like a whitewash. It is a 10-day game, split into two five-day matches. My focus is on how we can play better and more competitive cricket than them over these 10 days. The process is much more important than thinking about the outcome," he concluded.