Hannan Sarkar, who has recently returned to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) as an aged-level coach, believes Bangladesh are able to win a Test in Sri Lanka if they can play to their full potential.
Bangladesh are currently on a tour in Sri Lanka for an all-format series, which kicks off with the two-match Test today (Tuesday).
"I want to be positive about Bangladesh's Test series against Sri Lanka," Hannan, also the former national selector, said here today. "Winning Tests will be difficult but not impossible."
Even though Bangladesh are oozing with confidence this time around, their Test record against Sri Lanka is dismal. The two sides played 13 series, so far, with Bangladesh losing 12 of them.
Only once they could draw a series that too on Lankan den in 2017. In that series, Bangladesh played their 100th Test and made history by winning the game. But it remains Bangladesh's only victory against Sri Lankan in 26 meetings till date.
"These days we are talking more about T20 cricket but I think we have a balanced Test side," Hannan said.
"Shadman is a Test specialist while Mominul and Mushfiqur who have wealth of experience are playing. Shanto is also an important player for us. And Miraz is there as an allrounder."
He added: "There is an opportunity to think differently in Tests as we have experienced players. Those who did well in Tests, were not in T20s."
According to Hannan Sarkar, given Bangladesh's record against Sri Lanka, a draw in the series will be a good achievement.
"It is very difficult to play in Sri Lanka. Our results in Sri Lankan conditions are not good enough. However, we have several experienced players.
"The senior players can guide us. I don't think we have to win this series 2-0. I think if we can draw the series that would also be an achievement," Hannan Sarkar added. "BSS
