Riyad did not want it this way

Mahmudullah Riyad was handed the captaincy following Shakib's Al Hasan's unavailability for the first Test against Sri Lanka but Riyad suggests that this is not how he would have liked to get the opportunity of captaining the Bangladesh Test side.

Riyad was hopeful that he is up to the challenge and being captain was a good opportunity for him.

"A cricketer's life is full of challenges. It is a good opportunity for me personally. More importantly, it is a crucial series for us."

But for obvious reasons, Shakib's injury put a damper on the situation for Riyad as the team will now have to focus on playing the crucial first Test without their most influential player.

"I didn't want it this way. Shakib is an important player. Losing him is a big blow."

Mahmudullah was an obvious choice for the captaincy job since he was the one who was appointed as Shakib Al Hasan's vice-captain when the all-rounder was made captain of the Test side.

"Every cricketer has a dream to lead their country, so definitely it is great," he said.

He however reminded that the captain will only look well if the team does well.

"Captaincy is easier if the team does well collectively. I will try to ensure that we stick to our strength," Riyad concluded.