![Najmul Hossain Shanto Reveals Bangladesh Plan [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794666778407_NajmulHossainShanto.jpg?type=hq)
Najmul Hossain Shanto Reveals Bangladesh Plan [Source: AFP]
Bangladesh are preparing for a challenging Test assignment in South Africa, with the team management facing an important selection decision ahead of the opening match in Johannesburg.
The visitors are expected to make room for their in-form batting options while settling on a bowling combination suited to the conditions. Captain Najmul Hossain has offered some insight into the team's thinking, while recent practice sessions have provided further clues about the likely playing XI.
Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Hints At Opening Combination For Johannesburg Test
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain has indicated that the team could feature four frontline bowlers in the opening Test against South Africa. The combination would allow the visitors to include two specialist openers alongside Towhid Hridoy, who strengthened his position in the side with a remarkable unbeaten 242 against West Indies in Sylhet.
The selection dilemma emerged after Shadman Islam was ruled out of the match due to an ankle injury. Bangladesh have brought Mohammad Naim and uncapped Mahfijul into the setup to compete for the opening positions alongside Tanzid Hasan Tamim.
However, selecting both specialist openers would require Bangladesh to make another adjustment in the batting order. Either Mominul Haque or Mushfiqur Rahim could miss out to accommodate Hridoy, who has made the most of his recent opportunities.
The right-hander initially featured in the opening Test against West Indies because Mushfiqur was unavailable. He retained his place for the second match after Mominul Haque was rested following a blow to the head in the first Test. His double-century in Sylhet has now made him a strong contender for the Johannesburg encounter.
Najmul, who has previously opened in Test cricket, including in his most recent innings, acknowledged that the team has already considered its options. He also backed the credentials of both Naim and Mahfijul.
"It is not a fact that Robin (Mahfijul) just came into the team because he is a right-hander, it's not like that. It was part of a plan and the way he has performed in first-class cricket I think he deserves to be in this team,” said Najmul.
“Alongside Naeem Sheikh has been doing well in first-class for the last few years and so both of them are in good form. Still, I don't want to talk about places but I think both of them are in a very good touch and we know who to play but let's keep it to us."
Bangladesh's Practice Sessions Offer Clues About Bowling Combination
The preparations in South Africa have also provided some indication of how Bangladesh could arrange their bowling attack. Taijul Islam, who has struggled to make an impact recently, appears likely to be left out of the playing XI.
Meanwhile, Hridoy's workload during the net sessions has attracted attention, with the batter spending considerable time bowling. Mominul Haque has also been working on his bowling after reportedly receiving a request from Najmul to strengthen his part-time bowling options.
According to an earlier report by Cricbuzz, Mominul has been focusing on improving his bowling and was seen putting in extended spells during practice. These preparations suggest that Bangladesh could rely on Mominul and Najmul to contribute as part-time options, allowing the visitors to field four frontline bowlers while maintaining their preferred batting combination.
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