With visiting captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expecting that their recent historic 2-0 series win in Pakistan would hold them in good stead against the strong hosts in the coming weeks, a confident Bangladesh side arrived in India on Sunday for two Test matches and three Twenty20 Internationals. On Sunday afternoon, the Bangladeshi team arrived in Chennai, the location of the first Test, which is scheduled to start on September 19.
"It's definitely going to be a very challenging series for us. After a good series (vs Pakistan) there is definitely an extra confidence in the team, in the people of the country. Every series is an opportunity. We will play to win both matches. The things that matter to win, the process matters... our aim will be to do the work properly. Good results are possible if we do our job properly," Shanto was quoted as saying at the pre-departure press briefing at the Dhaka airport.
The Bangladesh captain felt that, even if India leads the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, the outcome will ultimately depend on how well they play over the course of those five days, possibly the result might even come in the final session.
"If you see the ranking, they are much ahead of us. We have been playing well lately. We have had a good series. Our aim will be to play well for five days. The result comes in the last session on the last day. If we play good cricket for five days, there is a chance for either team to win in the last session," the skipper said just before boarding the flight to Chennai.
Adequate security for the Bangladesh side
There will be sufficient protection from the police for the visiting side in Chennai. The Bangladeshi squad followed standard security procedures, which are followed by all international teams, including having two police vans escort the team bus to the hotel. The players received a hearty welcome from the hotel personnel and were doused in rose petals upon their arrival. As per standard policy, the entire team will be placed on one of the floors with armed security personnel present.
The Bangla Tigers are now in India. There have been allegations of interfaith conflicts and attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, since the student protests last month that resulted in the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been reassured by BCCI secretary Jay Shah that sufficient security measures will be implemented during their three-week visit. Bangladesh will begin its training on Monday.
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