Litton opens doors to become Bangladesh's next Test captain

Bangladesh T20I skipper Litton Kumar Das said on Sunday that he is ready to take up Test captaincy, if offered. Bangladesh are currently looking for a new Test captain after the post went vacant following Najmul Hossain Shanto's decision to step down from the role after the home series against Sri Lanka in July.

Cricbuzz earlier reported that Litton is the front runner to replace Najmul after the latter refused to reconsider his decision when BCB asked him again following the three-match ODI series against West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Litton insisted that he is yet to be approached by the BCB regarding the Test captaincy and indicated that he is ready to take up the role. BCB have very little time to announce their Test captain as they are expected to host Ireland for a two-match Test series, scheduled to start from November 11 in Sylhet.

"It's very difficult. So far, I don't know anything about it. If they feel I'm capable, obviously they will have a conversation with me. Let's see what their decision is," Litton said. "As a player, captaining the Test side is a big achievement. I'm sure no player would say no to it. But so far, I haven't heard anything from the cricket board," he added.

Litton previously led Bangladesh in a one-off Test against Afghanistan in 2023, which the hosts won while Bangladesh have also claimed four consecutive T20I series victories this year under his leadership.

Litton said that as part of their preparation for next year's T20 World Cup, he wants his players to be tested under pressure and face challenges during the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies and Ireland.

Bangladesh will take on West Indies in three-match T20I series at Chattogram from October 27 while they are also slated to host Ireland for three games in November.

"To be honest, in these two series, I want our players to be put under pressure and face challenges - whether in batting or bowling," Litton said. "In these six games, if we fall behind and manage to come back, that will be great for us. I'm talking about challenges within the match. I want the bowlers to perform well under pressure. Since we have a World Cup coming up, these experiences will help us prepare better."

The BCB officials said that they are in talks regarding a T20I series involving Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Sri Lanka which is scheduled to start in early December before the Bangladesh Premier League, the country's lone franchise-based T20 tournament.