Habibul backs Amite to seize Test opportunity

Bangladesh chief selector Habibul Bashar has urged Amite Hasan to keep things simple as the young wicketkeeper-batter looks set to make his Test debut in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, starting in Harare on Sunday (June 28).

The right-handed batter is expected to replace the injured Litton Kumar Das, who has been ruled out of the Test. Amite forced his way into the squad after a prolific run in domestic cricket, although his path to the playing XI was opened by Litton's absence. Habibul, however, insisted the youngster should focus on enjoying the occasion rather than burdening himself with expectations.

"He( Amite) is a potential Test player for the future. I mean he is very good. I have seen his batting; he has a very simple technique and players with such techniques usually do well," Habibul told Cricketlineguruji. "And he has proven himself, right? He has scored runs, even in the last match against Zimbabwe A," he said, referring to Amite's century in the recent four-day game at home.

"It is an opportunity for him. It is an opportunity for us. Still, Zimbabwe is a tough place to play. Test matches are usually a bit difficult, but honestly, I don't want to put the pressure of expectation on him," he said. "He should enjoy this Test match. It is not like he has to do something extraordinary here. It is the simple things that he needs to do."

Bangladesh will also be without Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who opted to take a break from the Test. It will be the first time since 2015 that both Litton and Mehidy have missed a Test together. Bangladesh will also be wary of Zimbabwe, who stunned them in the Sylhet Test last year and will be eager to prove once again that they can compete with the visitors.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the team has settled well into the conditions ahead of the contest.

"A number of our players arrived here a few days earlier, and Alhamdulillah, we have adapted well to the conditions. I believe we are now fully prepared for the match. Some players joined the squad later, but they have also adjusted considerably during the last few days of training. Hopefully, adapting during the match itself will not be much of a problem," said Najmul.

"In terms of preparation, we've had a good build-up. We tried to make the best use of the facilities available here and prepare as well as possible. Everyone in the squad is confident. We've been playing good cricket over the last few series, and I believe we can produce a strong performance in this Test match as well," he said.

Najmul added that Bangladesh are hoping to build momentum ahead of their tour of Australia by putting in a strong performance in Zimbabwe. Following the Zimbabwe series, Bangladesh will travel to Australia for a two-match Test series.

"Our aim is to win the match and play good cricket. We have several away series coming up after this one, so it's important for us to perform well in this series," said Najmul. "If our batters and bowlers can do well here, it will also help us in the challenges ahead. The focus is on playing the best cricket we possibly can."