Shanto urges ICC for Tests against ‘Big Three’ after historic Pakistan triumph

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto called for more opportunities against India, Australia, and England, the so-called ‘big three’ of International cricket after his side scripted history with a memorable Test series whitewash over Pakistan. 

The Bangla Tigers sealed a 2-0 series triumph with a 78-run victory in the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, marking yet another landmark moment in the nation’s red-ball journey.

With the win, Bangladesh became only the second team after Australia to register back-to-back Test series whitewashes over Pakistan. The achievement highlights the growing maturity of the side under Shanto’s leadership and further strengthens Bangladesh’s ambitions of becoming a consistent force in Test cricket.

Following the historic triumph, the Bangladesh skipper expressed his desire for the team to play more frequently against the traditional powerhouses of the format.

“We actually want to play Test matches. We want to play with every team. I think now we want to play more Tests with Australia, England, India, both home and away,” Najmul told reporters after the match.

The 26-year-old stressed that repeatedly facing the same opponents in familiar conditions limits the team’s growth and learning curve. According to him, competing against the world’s top sides across different environments would help Bangladesh evolve into a stronger Test unit.

“Because as I said, when we get the chance to play matches, when we get those new experiences, the team will slowly build. Otherwise, playing with the same team again and again, playing in the same conditions, it is difficult to actually build a team,” he said.

Bangladesh have shown remarkable improvement in Test cricket over the last few years, particularly in Asian conditions. However, Shanto admitted that the side still has a long journey ahead before establishing themselves among the elite Test nations.

“So hopefully, the ICC will give us more Test matches with all the teams. Now that we are getting the chance to play more matches, this is a positive aspect. But if we can play more and better matches with Australia, England, India, of course, it will be better for our team,” he added.

Bangladesh trump India in WTC points table 

After their historic win over Pakistan, Shanto’s side has trumped the Indian team in the World Test Championship points table. They currently are in the fifth position with 58.33 percentage points. India, on the other hand, have 48.15 percentage points. The top-2 teams will play each other in the final of the WTC.

India will take on Afghanistan in a one-off Test from June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.