Shanto calls Shakib’s absence ‘unfortunate’ ahead of South Africa Test
Sports Desk
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said that it is unfortunate that Shakib Al Hasan cannot play the Test series against South Africa starting on October 21 in Dhaka.
Bangladesh's interim government advised Shakib, who was a member of the government toppled by a student-citizen movement in August, not to come to the country now due to the security threat posed by the protesters.
“It’s unfortunate,” Shanto said about Shakib’s absence in the Dhaka Test, which he said would be his last appearance in the longer format of the game. “It should have happened. But we all know why it didn't happen.”
The Bangladesh captain also said they are now focusing solely on cricket.
“I would say that it was unfortunate, it should have happened (Shakib’s participation in the Dhaka Test). But we all know why it didn't happen. But we don’t want to talk much about it before a Test match. I want everyone to focus on cricket.”
Bangladesh captain also said it is difficult for Bangladesh to set up a combination when Shakib is not available.
“We can use an extra bowler or batter (when Shakib plays). But we cannot do anything talking about it much. What we can do is to focus on cricket,” Shanto added.
Bangladesh played 14 Tests against the Proteas but never won. But this time, Shanto says, the result can be changed if they can play according to plan and execute their game well on the field.
