Bangladesh’s interim Test captain, Litton Kumar Das, exudes confidence in his team’s skills as they gear up to face Afghanistan on a greenish wicket at the prestigious Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Typically renowned for its spin-friendly pitches, the decision to prepare a seam-friendly track presents a fresh challenge for the Bangladesh side.

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s previous encounter with Afghanistan in 2019, where they succumbed to a defeat primarily due to the visitors’ spinners, Litton recognizes the need for adaptability this time around. The 15-member Test squad announced by Bangladesh features a notable inclusion of five pace bowlers, including Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and the uncapped Mushfik Hasan.

I don’t bother about the past. Since it’s a new game it’s a new challenge and we are eager to take it on,” Litton said.

Litton firmly asserts that Bangladesh possesses a quality pace attack, parallel to their Afghan counterparts, expressing confidence in their abilities. He emphasizes the importance of acclimatizing to the demands of a grassy wicket and acknowledges the challenge posed by effective bowling. While admitting that the team may not be extensively familiar with the Afghan cricketers, who primarily excel in limited-overs cricket, Litton believes that his side’s experience and maturity in Test cricket will serve as valuable assets in this series.

Acknowledging the gap in Test matches since their last outing in April, with subsequent engagements primarily focused on white-ball formats, Litton stresses the significance of on-field performance rather than relying solely on experience. He maintains an optimistic outlook for upcoming series, downplaying the significance of previous encounters and emphasizing the team’s current focus and determination to overcome their opponents.

Regarding his own role as Test captain, Litton maintains composure and a strong sense of purpose. Although leading the team will be a novel experience for him, he remains unperturbed by the added responsibility. Having previously captained the side during Shakib Al Hasan’s absence, even if only for a brief duration, Litton exudes confidence in his ability to fulfill the role.

As Litton prepares to guide his team onto the field, he anticipates the sensations that will accompany his first coin toss as Test captain. Maintaining a grounded and focused mindset, he clarifies that he has not overly fixated on the captaincy but is instead prepared to embrace the challenge when the moment arrives.

Litton Kumar Das radiates optimism regarding Bangladesh’s prospects against Afghanistan on the greenish wicket in Dhaka. Equipped with a formidable pace bowling lineup and a determination to execute their plans with precision, Litton firmly believes that his team has the mettle to excel in the forthcoming Test series. As he assumes the mantle of Test captain, Litton is resolute in his commitment to making a positive impact and leading Bangladesh to success.