Bangladesh Leg-break bowler Rishad Hossain is not yet ready for Test cricket, according to Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Despite Rishad's impressive performance in the T20 World Cup, where he finished as the third-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets, he has yet to make his Test debut for Bangladesh.
As Bangladesh prepares for a two-Test series in Pakistan this August, there is curiosity about whether Rishad will be included in the red-ball format. Although Rishad has added a new dimension to Bangladesh's white-ball attack, Shanto believes he is not yet prepared for the challenges of Test cricket.
Shanto expressed that, based on his experience, Rishad is not fully ready for red-ball cricket at the moment. This assessment is not without reason, as the 22-year-old leg-spinner has yet to establish himself in domestic four-day competitions. The general reluctance of domestic teams to utilise wrist spinners could be a factor behind his modest figures in the red-ball format.
The captain also addressed the recent departure of the national team's spin bowling coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, who played a significant role in Rishad's development during the T20 World Cup. While Shanto acknowledged Mushtaq's contributions, he also highlighted the efforts of local coaches in nurturing Rishad's talent. He expressed confidence in the board's decisions regarding coaching appointments for the national team.
Shanto's comments reflect a cautious approach to Rishad's progression, emphasising the need for further development before taking on the rigours of Test cricket.
