While his recovery is reportedly progressing, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the team will make a last-minute decision on Mehidy\u2019s inclusion in the playing XI. \u201cMehidy is still under observation, but his health is improving. A lot depends on his availability,\u201d Shanto told reporters on the eve of the Test. \u201cIf he is in the team, we can go into the Test with a good combination.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The absence of Mehidy, a vital spin-bowling asset and lower-order contributor, could force Bangladesh to alter their balance on a pitch that is known to dramatically assist spinners as the match progresses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shanto is confident that Bangladesh\u2019s batters can cash in on the early advantage in Galle before the pitch starts to break down and favour spin. In the last five years, the batting average in Galle has dipped drastically each day \u2014 from 45.64 on Day 1 to just 20.65 on Day 5 \u2014 underlining the importance of making early runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPlaying spin may be challenging, but there\u2019s also a lot of runs in the first two or three days in Galle,\u201d Shanto said. \u201cWe want to take that opportunity. There will be challenges for the batters, as spinners take a lot of wickets here.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh last played a Test in Galle in 2017, and Shanto himself has fond memories of scoring his maiden Test century in Sri Lanka during the 2021 tour in Pallekele. But this will be his first as captain of the island nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Tamim Iqbal retired and Shakib Al Hasan unavailable for Tests, Bangladesh continue to navigate a transition period in their red-ball setup. Shanto acknowledged their contributions but stressed the need to focus on the present. \u201cThey [Shakib and Tamim] have not been in the team for the last two or three years. We don\u2019t want to think about the past,\u201d Shanto said. \u201cWe have experienced players now who will do well here. I hope those in the team will take the team forward.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The team\u2019s struggles this year \u2014 with just two wins in ten completed matches across formats \u2014 have led to scrutiny. They exited early from the Champions Trophy, lost a home Test to Zimbabwe, and were beaten in the T20I series by both UAE and Pakistan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Still, Shanto believes in the resilience of his squad. \u201cWe came back well in the Zimbabwe series after the Sylhet loss. It will motivate us,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are playing in familiar conditions. We just need to play good cricket, especially the batters. The top order has to provide a good start.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The team\u2019s struggles this year \u2014 with just two wins in ten completed matches across formats \u2014 have led to scrutiny. They exited early from the Champions Trophy, lost a home Test to Zimbabwe, and were beaten in the T20I series by both UAE and Pakistan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n