Azhar Ali not keen on undermining Bangladesh ahead of Rawalpindi Test

Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, doesn’t wish to take Bangladesh lightly ahead of the opening Test, starting Friday, February 7 in Rawalpindi. The Tigers are on the second-leg of their Pakistan tour after losing the T20I series 0-2. The team has appointed Mominul Haque as their skipper for the upcoming Test despite his poor show in India where Bangladesh slumped to a 0-2 defeat.

The Tigers are yet to open their account in the World Test Championship and will be looking for first points. Going into the Test, Bangladesh don’t have records to boast off against them rival, having lost nine out of 10 Tests. The other game in Khulna didn’t produce any result. Nevertheless, Azhar reckons that the Tigers have the ability to spring a surprise with match-winners in their setup.

Nothing is won off the field: Azhar Ali

“Bangladesh can be a very competitive side, can surprise you, so we are not taking them lightly. They have match winners in their team,” Azhar was quoted as saying in the pre-match press conference.

Bangladesh won’t be having the services of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim due to various reasons. As per Azhar, Pakistan do have the home advantage, but admitted that it doesn’t guarantee a team a victory.

“Obviously they are missing a couple of their key players, but as I said earlier, as a home advantage, we can have an upper hand […] but nothing is won off the field. We have to do it on the field,” the veteran added.

After the defeats in India, Bangladesh have made quite a few changes in their squad. They have re-called fast bowler Rubel Hossain and also included Najmul Hossain Shanto. Going by head coach Russell Domingo’s press conference, youngster Saif Hassan is also set for his maiden Test cap. The coach has also put forth the top seven in the batting lineup for the Test.

Mustafizur Rahman and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat have been left out from the previous squad. The team will also get the services of Tamim Iqbal, who last played a Test 11 months ago. Tamim also has impressive numbers against Pakistan. Back in the 2015 Khulna Test, the southpaw got a double ton.