Bangladesh stand-in skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto believes he is ready to take the captaincy in One Day International format if the opportunity arrives.
Shanto made his captaincy debut against New Zealand just prior to the World Cup and was subsequently named the vice captain of the team under the leadership of Shakib al Hasan.
Shakib missed the game against India in Pune on October 19 due to injury and Shanto led the side in his absence.
And before the last match against Australia at the same venue, Shakib was ruled out again due to left index finger fracture and Shanto once more skippered the team.
Shanto now has three games under his belt as ODI captain.
Shakib, who is also the captain of the Test and Twenty20 side, said in an interview prior to the World Cup that he will leave the captaincy after the world event.
Bangladesh Cricket Board is searching for options, preferably long-term, in the event of Shakib leaving the ODI captaincy and it was learnt that all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Shanto are both being considered for the post.
When asked if he is ready to step in and take the captaincy in 50-over format, Shanto said he is up for the job.
“We couldn’t win either of the matches that I captained in this World Cup (against India and Australia). There was pressure to handle against two big teams. I think there was a lot to learn, which will help me in future. I have been leading teams for a while now. I think personally I am ready. If the opportunity presents itself, I will try to do it well,” Shanto said during the post-match press conference in Pune Saturday.
Bangladesh will play their next ODI series away to New Zealand in December this year.
