If all goes right, Bangladesh will see the return of their best-ever cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan in national colours when the Tigers take on West Indies next month.

Bangladesh and West Indies will meet in three ODIs before putting on whites in two-Test series. Test skipper Mominul Haque is relieved at ‘champion’ Shakib’s comeback after the 12-month ban.

“Definitely it’s a relief for me as a young captain. Having Shakib brings proper balance in the team which is great for us. He is an experienced cricket, a champion cricketer,” Mominul said.

The two Tests hold the significance of World Test Championship 2019-21. With an ample of matches being postponed due to pandemic, the Bangladeshi captain is reluctant to take the pressure of the championship.

“When you are playing a Test, you cannot play while having Test Championship on your mind. This is the first time [international] cricket is happening in Bangladesh since corona.

“Whoever gets chance will look to play with their 100%. That will help us finish the series on a high. Worrying about Test Championship will only add pressure and expectations. A lot of negative sides will come into play,” Mominul added.

Bangladesh have played one and a half series out of six in the WTC. The three defeats – two against India and one against Pakistan (all away) – have been hammering and humiliating, with all being innings defeats.

West Indies have had only one victory, by four wickets against England in Southampton in July, which marked return of international cricket after lockdown.

Bangladesh and West Indies will play the first Test in Chattogram from February 3. The second, in Mirpur, will be from February 11.