Litton Das remains 'fifty-fifty' for T20I series opener

Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das on Tuesday said he remains doubtful for the series opener against Australia, scheduled for June 17.

Cricketlineguruji had earlier reported that Litton was uncertain for the opening T20I and that Soumya Sarkar had consequently been added to the squad. Litton confirmed the development, admitting that his availability remains "fifty-fifty".

Litton, who suffered a muscle tear during the third ODI against Australia in Mirpur on June 14, added that the hosts are also monitoring the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Parvez Hossain Emon, who has been battling fever and a tonsil infection ahead of the three-match series.

"First of all, I am better than I was before, better than the condition I was in. But we'll see today, and then after seeing tomorrow, a decision will have to be made regarding my situation," Litton said.

"The reason for bringing Soumya in is that I was fifty-fifty; we don't know what might happen, and we have to wait until tomorrow.

"And then Emon has a slight illness. So we didn't want to take the risk of suddenly calling up a player if something happened. That's why we tried to include him (Soumya). He may not be able to practice today, but from tomorrow he will be available and become part of the team," he said.

Litton added that Bangladesh are confident heading into the three-match T20I series after securing their maiden ODI series win over Australia in Dhaka.

"Obviously, when you play good cricket against a big team... not only that you've won the series-we played very good cricket in all three matches. So that's a plus point. Obviously, the format is different, our team is different, and their team is different. One good side is that most of our players have played ODI cricket, not just the T20 side. So everyone has that confidence, and on the given day, you have to play very good cricket," he said.

"I'll say again, to beat any team, you have to play very good cricket on the given day. At the same time, as I said in the last series, those who bat in our lower middle order also have a lot of responsibility. If they get opportunities with the bat, and if we get a response from them, I think this team can achieve much better results," he said.

"This format itself is hard. In the shorter-over format, every team approaches you with attacking intent. In fact, any team, whether batting or bowling, operates with that mindset. And Australia are obviously a big name. So they will try to play their best cricket, and obviously we will try to play our best cricket too," he added.

Litton also backed fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who claimed six wickets in the ODI series against Australia and featured in the final match after Nahid Rana was rested, saying the left-armer does not view himself as anything less than a first-choice option despite not playing regularly.

"No, I don't think Shoriful ever thinks of it that way, that he's not first choice," said Litton.

"Of course, he is also a first choice. But as you said, our team now has such a strong pace-bowling unit-whether in Test cricket, ODI cricket or T20 cricket, you can't play more than three pacers," he said.

"So if those three bowl very well on a given day, then one player has to make that sacrifice. I think in the last few series Shoriful may have played one or two games. Even in the last T20 series, he played the final match and bowled well. So it's a good sign that whoever comes into the game and gets an opportunity is delivering," he added.