DHAKA, June 28, 2025 (BSS)- Najmul Hossain Shanto, who led Bangladesh in Sri 
Lanka Test series defended the selection of Anamul Haque Bijoy by saying that 
the impressive first class record prompted the opener's inclusion.

"When a batter has 9,000 first-class runs, 24 hundreds, 49 fifties in first 
class cricket, how can we deny him," Shanto said after Bangladesh's innings 
and 78 runs defeat to Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo today.

"Our openers have always struggled for the last few years. Joy and Zakir did 
well in some matches but couldn't contribute consistently."

So, we were looking for an experienced player, Shanto said.

"Bijoy has runs behind him, he was proven in this format. That's why he was 
picked."

But Bijoy couldn't justify his selection, scoring 0, 4, 0 and 19 in the four 
innings he batted in this series. His struggle in the crease was something 
that caught the attention more than his paltry return.
 
"It was an opportunity for him that unfortunately he couldn't grab," Shanto 
said. "It's really disappointing but I still believe if he gets another 
chance, he can do well."

Shanto said it would be injustice to blame him alone for the team's poor 
performance when as a team Bangladesh couldn't deliver.

"It won't be right to blame him alone for our downfall. I think as a team we 
couldn't click."
 
 Shanto also praised Nayeem and Taijul's effort in the match. Nayeem had 
taken a five-wicket haul in the Galle Test while Taijul who couldn't do that 
much well in the first Test, got back with bang in the second Test to claim a 
fifer.

"We are unfortunate that Nayeem had to sit out most of the team for the team 
combination. I think he probably had the chance to play seven Tests."

"He performs whenever he gets the chance. And we know how important Taijul 
bhai is for us. Bowling 40-45 overs in a row in the same area - it's a very 
difficult job but Taijul did that always without any complaint."