Galle, June 16 (NationPress) As Bangladesh prepares for their first Test match of the tour in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, attention centers on the status of crucial allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is currently being monitored medically due to a recent fever.

While reports indicate that his recovery is on track, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated that a final decision regarding Mehidy's inclusion in the playing XI will be made just before the match. “Mehidy is still under observation, but his health is improving. A lot depends on his availability,” Shanto informed reporters the day before the Test. “If he is in the team, we can enter the Test with a strong combination.”

The potential absence of Mehidy, a vital spin-bowling contributor and lower-order batsman, may compel Bangladesh to adjust their strategy on a pitch known for significantly aiding spinners as the game advances.

Shanto expressed confidence that the Bangladesh batting lineup can capitalize on the early advantage in Galle before the pitch begins to deteriorate and favor spin. Over the past five years, the batting average in Galle has sharply decreased each day — from 45.64 on Day 1 to merely 20.65 on Day 5 — highlighting the necessity of scoring early runs.

“Facing spin might be difficult, but there are plenty of runs available in the first two or three days in Galle,” Shanto explained. “We aim to seize that opportunity. Batters will face challenges, as spinners tend to take numerous wickets here.”

Bangladesh last competed in a Test in Galle back in 2017, and Shanto recalls fondly scoring his maiden Test century during the 2021 tour in Pallekele. However, this will mark his first encounter as captain in the island nation.

With Tamim Iqbal retired and Shakib Al Hasan unavailable for Test matches, Bangladesh continues to navigate a transitional phase in their red-ball cricket structure. Shanto acknowledged their past contributions but emphasized the need to focus on the present. “They [Shakib and Tamim] have not been part of the team for the last two or three years. We prefer not to dwell on the past,” Shanto remarked. “We have experienced players now who can perform well here. I trust those in the team will advance our goals.”

The team’s performance this year — with only two victories in ten completed matches across formats — has attracted scrutiny. They faced early exits from the Champions Trophy, lost a home Test to Zimbabwe, and suffered defeats in T20I series against both UAE and Pakistan.

Nevertheless, Shanto maintains faith in his team's resilience. “We bounced back strongly in the Zimbabwe series following the loss in Sylhet. That will motivate us,” he stated. “We are playing in familiar conditions. We just need to execute our game well, particularly the batters. The top order must deliver a solid start.”

The Bangladesh squad features a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, and Shanto is satisfied with the team’s cohesion and clarity as they approach the Galle Test. “I am pleased with the squad. It’s a balanced side with diverse options in batting and bowling. We can choose the XI based on the opposition and conditions,” he concluded.