Whenever Bangladesh play at home, discussion about the wicket inevitably follows. It was no different in the Sylhet Test, where Bangladesh secured an innings-and-47-run victory over Ireland on a surface that offered spin, movement off the seam, and plenty of runs for the batters.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto once again endorsed having a “sporting wicket” for home Test matches in the future.

“Yeah, obviously. That’s what we want,” he said at the post-match presentation. “It’s not like we wanted a spin-friendly wicket. We wanted a sporting wicket, and that’s what we got. Even after three or four days, the wicket still looked pretty good,” he added.

He elaborated further in the post-match press conference, noting that the approach would depend largely on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.

“It depends on what the opponent is like. But I always believe that if there is an opportunity, playing on a sporting wicket is very important. But yes, ultimately, you also have to consider that this is international Test cricket,” he said.

“So, winning the match is also important. So, whatever advantages are necessary to win should be taken. But I think a sporting wicket is very good. If you look at the wicket for this match, it was very good for batting, and there was help for the bowlers—from pacers to spinners, everyone. So, a wicket like this is good for the whole team, but it depends on the opponent,” he added.

The second and final Test of the series will be held at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from 19 November, a venue traditionally known for its spin-friendly conditions. Shanto, leading the home side, is already planning for the challenge ahead.

“In Mirpur, against any opponent, any bowling, there is always a challenge. There is no scope to think separately or additionally. The challenge will be there, but how we handle that challenge is important. And the way we played this match, I hope this confidence will be useful in Mirpur,” he said.

The Bangladesh squad will travel to Dhaka for the second Test, while Ireland will remain in Sylhet for an extra day before flying to the capital on Sunday. The Mirpur Test will mark Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th appearance — the first Bangladesh player to reach the landmark.

Najmul and his team are eagerly looking forward to the occasion. “It’s definitely a very big achievement. I am very excited. I said in the first day's press conference that we want to celebrate. As players, we want to enjoy that day or those whole five days. There is a place for respect, we always believe that such an achievement has never happened in Bangladesh,” Shanto said.

“So, we always hope that such a person should be given the highest respect. And as a captain, I will try to do that. Also, I hope that even after Mushfiq bhai plays his 100th, he continues to play for the team more. Because we need such experienced players in our Test team. So, I hope he continues that,” he added.

Buoyed by their dominant win in Sylhet, Bangladesh will now look to carry that momentum into Mirpur, balancing the familiar challenge of a spin-friendly track with the historic significance of Mushfiqur’s century of Test appearances.