Najmul Shanto expects Mehidy Hasan Miraz to fill Shakib Al Hasan’s boots

Star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will miss the first Test against South Africa in Dhaka. He might return in the second and final Test in Chattogram but nothing is confirmed given the current political situation in Bangladesh.

Nevertheless, the 37-year-old previously announced that the home Test series against South Africa would be his last in the longest format. Since then, the team management has been looking for a suitable replacement in red-ball cricket. Captain Najmul Shanto identified Mehidy Hasan Miraz as one of the potential candidates.

The 26-year-old has played 47 Test matches for Bangladesh already, scoring 1,689 runs and picking up 183 wickets. Recently, he had a terrific time in Pakistan in the two-match Test series but against India, Miraz struggled big time. However, skipper Shanto has continued to show his trust in the all-rounder and believes he can fill Shakib’s boots.

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It is hard to match Shakib, we are struggling to find right combination: Shanto

Albeit, the captain still emphasized that it would be tough for the team management to replace Shakib easily. He felt that it would take a bit of time to get adjusted to the current situation. But backed his players to fulfil the role and play to their merit.

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“It is hard to match him (Shakib). We are struggling to find the right combination. It will take a bit of time. It is not within our control. I think the players have the ability to play their own roles. It is hard to match him (Shakib), especially for the captain. I don't think wickets will change. We have to think about the extra batter or bowler. The No 7 becomes a crucial spot. We don't have anyone exactly like Shakib bhai but Miraz can be a very good option,” Shanto was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“He (Mehidy) is bowling and batting superbly. There are more responsibilities, which Miraz is prepared for. He has improved his batting. He is taking the team to good positions. If you look at the last few Tests. I would hope that Miraz can take that place (of Shakib) in the next couple of years,” he added.