Dhananjaya de Silva launches a scathing attack on Shakib al Hasan ahead of the 2nd Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Published - 30 Mar 2024, 10:44 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:09 AM
Sri Lankan Test skipper Dhananjaya de Silva commented on the recent cricketing rivalry with the Bangladesh cricket team. Dhananjaya de Silva’s comments came ahead of the second and final Test match against Bangladesh in the ongoing series in away conditions.
The recent T20 series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh showcased intense rivalries as both teams engaged passionately. After Sri Lanka secured a series victory, their players celebrated cheekily, poking fun at an incident involving Angelo Mathews.
Sri Lankan players taunted the Bangladesh team with a ‘timed out’ celebration. This gesture stemmed from Angelo Mathews’ dismissal by the same method during a league-stage match against Bangladesh in the 2023 ODI World Cup, which was held in India.
Following their ODI series victory, Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim made a helmet gesture in celebration. Rahim’s actions took place during the presentation ceremony after Bangladesh clinched the three-ODI series 2-1 against Sri Lanka in Chattogram.
I Don’t Really Know – Dhananjaya de Silva
Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh with a convincing 328-run victory in the first Test match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Dhananjaya de Silva played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s triumph, contributing significantly to their commanding performance.
In the press conference before the Chittagong Test, Dhananjaya de Silva affirmed his team’s preparedness to match the intensity of the opposition. Silva stated that Sri Lanka would respond with strength to aggression or maintain composure as required.
“I don’t really know (what the fans will do about this). If they come hard, we will go hard. If they keep calm, we will keep calm,” Dhananjaya said.
De Silva remained unfazed by Shakib’s return, emphasizing his team’s focus. He questioned the relevance of discussing Shakib’s status, stating, “Why should I talk about him? He’s not in my team.”
Shakib Has A Lot Of Experience – Nic Pothas
Following the hosts’ heavy 328-run defeat in their opening match, Shakib Al Hasan made a return to the team. Shakib had been absent from the national squad since November. He broke his left index finger against Sri Lanka during the recent World Cup.
Shakib Al Hasan demonstrated success in recent Bangladesh and Dhaka Premier League outings. His last appearance in Test cricket was in April 2023, against Ireland in Mirpur. To accommodate Shakib, batter Towhid Hridoy has been omitted from the squad.
Bangladesh assistant coach Nic Pothas expressed the team’s excitement for having Shakib Al Hasan back in the squad, citing his infectious energy and wealth of experience as invaluable assets.
“I think any team that has Shakib in it is very fortunate. His energy is very infectious. He has a lot of experience for the guys to learn from and, whenever Shakib is back, he’s a giver,” Nic Pothas said Friday.
“He’s happy and that’s the only place we want Shakib. We want him happy. He will adapt to the conditions. That’s why he’s world-class,” Pothas said.
Shakib’s last Test century dates back to 2017, achieved against Sri Lanka during Bangladesh’s 100th Test match. Notably, Bangladesh has never secured a Test victory against Sri Lanka at home, having failed to do so in 11 attempts.
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Bangladesh National Cricket Team Dhananjaya de Silva Shakib AL Hasan Sri Lanka national cricket team World Test Championship 2023-25
