Sylhet, Nov 10 (NationPress) Ireland batter Harry Tector has urged his teammates to tackle the conditions in Sylhet with a flexible mindset ahead of their first Test against Bangladesh.

Competing against Bangladesh on their home turf poses a significant challenge for the Irish team, especially with spin bowling likely to play a crucial role in the outcome of the two-Test series commencing on Tuesday.

While Tector acknowledged the prowess of Bangladesh’s spin bowlers, he stressed that his teammates should not allow this to overshadow their focus on play.

“Everyone seems to have an opinion on what the pitches will be like in Bangladesh, but I think it’s easy to get too caught up in that,” Tector remarked.

“As players - and especially as batters - it’s vital to evaluate the conditions on the morning of the game, taking note of what it looks like and how it is overhead. Once you're out there reacting to what you believe the pitch is doing, you can trust that the practice you’ve put in will support you regardless of the conditions and the bowlers' tactics.”

“You have to be ready for anything. I’m not overly concerned with what they produce. I have confidence in our ability to excel and, hopefully, surpass them on these pitches.”

Tector made his Test debut in Bangladesh, achieving two half-centuries in a seven-wicket loss to Shakib Al Hasan’s team earlier in 2023. Since then, he has participated in six additional Tests as Ireland adapts to the challenges of red-ball cricket.

Ireland enters the series with impressive form, having secured victories in their last three Tests. Their latest win was in February against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, where they emerged victorious by 63 runs. Although Tector had a subdued performance at the bat, all-rounder Andy McBrine shone with an unbeaten 90 in the first innings and took four wickets throughout the match.

This winning streak boosts Ireland's confidence as they return to Bangladesh, yet Tector remains acutely aware of the formidable challenge posed by the hosts in this two-match series.

“This is only our second time participating in a multi-Test series, so we’re all eager about it. There’s a strong sense of pride and motivation within the group. Coming off three consecutive Test victories, we need to continue establishing markers to demonstrate that we are competing and performing at the highest level of cricket,” Tector noted.

“Everyone understands how challenging this series will be against Bangladesh in their home conditions. Historically, any team that wins away in Bangladesh has performed exceptionally well.

“We know it’s going to be tough, but we’re excited to go out there, and we have confidence in our group that if we execute the right strategies - with bat and ball and while taking our catches in the field - we can achieve successful results in Test cricket.”