Najmul Hossain Shanto says WTC top-four spot is motivation
Shanto views Bangladesh's WTC standing as motivation ahead of the two-Test series against West Indies in Mirpur.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his team's fourth-place position in the World Test Championship table is a source of motivation rather than pressure. Bangladesh began the first Test against West Indies in Mirpur on Wednesday needing points to stay in contention for a final berth. The two-Test series carries significant implications for Bangladesh's WTC campaign.
Shanto won the toss and chose to bat after Mushfiqur Rahim was ruled out with a hand injury. Towhid Hridoy replaced the veteran wicketkeeper-batter in the XI. Bangladesh added off-spinner Nayeem Hasan to strengthen their spin attack alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
West Indies handed a Test debut to off-spinner Joshua Bishop. Bangladesh reached 96 for two at lunch with Shadman Islam unbeaten on 50. The hosts have six Tests remaining in the current WTC cycle and need four victories and at least one draw to reach the final.