Shanto Appointed Captain for Bangladesh in Test Series Against New Zealand

In the forthcoming two-match series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence later this month, top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to take the helm as the leader of the Bangladesh cricket team.

This confirmation was conveyed by Jalal Younus, the chairman of the cricket operation department at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), during a media briefing held on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Shanto’s leadership role is not entirely new, as he previously captained the team in two matches during the ICC World Cup 2023. This responsibility was shouldered when the regular captain, Shakib Al Hasan, faced injury concerns and was unavailable for play. Shakib, who deemed the World Cup as one of the worst for Bangladesh, will also be absent from the upcoming Test series as he continues his recovery from a finger injury.

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Adding to the team’s adjustments, opener Litton Das has been granted a one-month leave. The cricketer sought time off due to the recent joyous occasion of becoming a father to a baby girl. Confirming this development, Jalal emphasized the board’s understanding of Litton’s need for leave during this special time.

Furthermore, the coaching staff is undergoing changes, with the resignation of Allan Donald from his position as the pace bowling coach of Bangladesh. In light of his departure, coaches from the high-performance unit may step in to fulfill his role until a suitable replacement is appointed.

The BCB has announced its intention to promptly select a new pace-bowling coach to ensure the team’s continued development and success in the upcoming series and beyond.