Bangladesh Cricket Board today (November 18) announced that top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. 

"Najmul Hossain will lead the side in the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand," BCB's cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus told reporters in Mirpur.

“He (Liton Das) wanted a leave for one months and didn’t want to play two Tests (against New Zealand). He wanted to spend time to his family so we grant him that because we can't push any player to play,” said Jalal.

“We wanted him to play the second Test but he insisted that he wants to give time to his family for one month and wanted to be with his wife and newborn baby," he added.

Liton, who is currently the vice-captain of the Test squad, was expected to lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Shakib Al Hasan who is ruled out of the series after fracturing his finger during their game against Sri Lanka in the World Cup.

Shanto will be the 13th Test skipper for Bangladesh when he will lead them in the opening Test, scheduled in Sylhet from November 28.

The second and final Test will be held in Mirpur on December 6-10. The series is also part of ICC Test Championship.

BDST: 1544 HRS, NOV 18, 2023
MN/SMS