Bangladesh seek strong start against Pakistan on improved Mirpur pitch

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hopes the improved batting conditions at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium can help his side continue their recent Test success against Pakistan when the first Test begins on Friday in Mirpur.

Bangladesh will enter the two-match series with confidence after sweeping Pakistan 2-0 in Rawalpindi last year to secure their first-ever Test victories over the visitors.

The Mirpur surface has often come under criticism for being heavily spin-friendly and difficult for batting, but recent white-ball matches at the venue have been played on better wickets.

"As a batter, adapting to the conditions is the most important thing," Shanto said on Thursday.

"Recently, especially in white-ball cricket in Mirpur, we have played on much better wickets than before. Hopefully, the batters will gradually become more confident playing here as well."

Bangladesh are expected to rely on experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while the pace attack could feature Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.

The hosts have also included uncapped batters Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Amite Hasan in the squad after strong domestic performances.

Pakistan, however, arrive with a powerful pace unit led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Khurram Shahzad and will look to bounce back after last year's series defeat at home.

The Mirpur pitch is expected to offer more pace and bounce than usual, which may assist the fast bowlers early in the match.

The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The second and final Test will be played in Sylhet from May 16.