Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 1st Test

Match starts at Nov 28, 03:30 GMT

Commentary

Preview:

It's been less than 10 days since the ODI World Cup came to a conclusion, but teams have already started to move on to different challenges. New Zealand, who finished at the semifinal stage this year will pride themselves on how far they got, but Bangladesh, with two wins in nine, not so much. However, the current international cricket calendar is quick to provide a fresh shot at glory, as the teams begin their World Test Championship campaigns - five months after many of the other teams started theirs.

It is easy to forget that New Zealand, under the current core group, won the inaugural World Test Championship final and lifted the mace at the Rose Bowl back in June 2021. In fact, after the T20 WC final loss in 2021, Kane Williamson was quick to remind a reporter with a smile that New Zealand had in fact won the final of the inaugural tournament, after being runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, and the 2021 T20 WC.

However, New Zealand begin this campaign with a difficult proposition - beating Bangladesh in Bangladesh, which, despite their poor form in other formats and the chaos in the administration, has been a tough task in recent times. In fact, Bangladesh beat New Zealand rather convincingly in a Test match in Mount Maunganui in early 2022, and tied the series 1-1. With Najmul Shanto leading the Bangladesh side, and some senior statesmen missing, Bangladesh still have the personnel to excel in their home conditions.

However, the signing of Saqlain Mushtaq, paired with the guile and smarts of Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner, ensures that New Zealand aren't unaware of the fact that this is likely to be their trial by spin.

When: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 1st Test | Tuesday November 28, 2023 | 9:30AM local time

Where: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet

What to expect: A dustbowl to vanquish the Kiwis. Bangladesh's dominance at home has often come from playing in conditions that suit them best - and it's going to be a trial by spin for New Zealand. Expect a spinner to open the bowling in a Test match, especially with Taskin Ahmed ruled out. Expect 90 overs to be bowled in a jiffy, because the dust never settles on a subcontinental dustbowl. Rachin Ravindra vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mitchell Santner vs Taijul Islam. The one who plays spin better, and bowls spin better, will take the prize.

Team News

Bangladesh

Najmul Shanto has been appointed the new captain of the Bangladesh Test side. This development comes on the back of regular Test captain Shakib Al Hasan sustaining an injury in the World Cup, and the vice-captain Litton Das taking time off to be with his family. Hasan Murad, the left-arm spinner is an uncapped player picked in the squad, alongside Shahadat Hossain Dipu and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud, at least one of whom is likely to make their debut.

Probable XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hasan Shanto, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud

New Zealand

Trent Boult has made himself unavailable for the tour, and Kyle Jamieson has been recalled to the squad after undergoing back surgery in February. Furthermore, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra have been recalled to the Test side after close to two years, joining Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi to form a four-pronged spin attack - five if you count Glenn Phillips.

Probable XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra/Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(wk), Tim Southee (c), Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel

What they said:

"The start of the new cycle is exciting. It is a tough place to play Tests. Bangladesh are strong in these conditions. We played Tests back in the start of the year. The last cycle didn't go as well as we planned. The guys involved in the first WTC cycle know how to special it is to do well in this championship." - Tim Southee, New Zealand captain.

Squads:

Bangladesh Squad: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Shahadat Hossain, Hasan Murad, Naeem Hasan, Zakir Hasan

New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee(c), Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Will Young, Ish Sodhi, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell