We could go with three seamers and one spinner for first NZ Test: Domingo

Bangladesh might go in with a bowling attack comprising three seamers and a spinner for their first of the two-Test series at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui tomorrow, said Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo during a pre-match virtual presser today.

"Probably we will be leaning towards three seamers and a spinner to start with. But we will have a discussion with the selectors and see how it turns out," said Domingo when asked about the possible combination that the Tigers will be going with for tomorrow's clash. 

The surfaces and the conditions in New Zealand typically remain conducive to pace. But still, according to Domingo, it is a bit tricky for Bangladesh to rely completely on the pacers as it is spin that has always been the Tigers' strength. 

"Expecting it to be a good wicket with a little bit of grass on it on day one. So, we have got to pick a team that is suited to cover both the bases – a bit of seam and a bit of spin. I think the wicket does spin a bit here on days four and five. 

"It's a bit tricky for Bangladesh. Historically, our strength has been spin. But we have got some really good seamers that we are excited about. We have got to balance the attack. We can't just go in with seamers," realised Domingo. 

With premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan missing the tour due to personal reasons, Domingo's plan indicates that the Tigers would opt for an extra batter in the eleven with just four genuine bowling options.  

However, with the way New Zealand have lined up for the crucial World Test Championship fixture, it was clear how the hosts would take on the visitors. 

New Zealand even left out in-form spinner Ajaz Patel from the squad less than three weeks after he became only the third bowler to pick all 10 wickets in an innings of international cricket in order to accommodate the likes of seamers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry. 

Given how the Bangladeshi batting line-up, especially the top order, crumbled while facing the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali on flat tops in their recent-most Test series and that too at home, it was not a surprise to see New Zealand line up with as many as five pacers. 

Bangladesh, meanwhile, also have five pacers to choose from with the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and uncapped Shohidul Islam in the Test squad for the tour.