Finding a consistent run-getter in the opening slot alongside Tamim Iqbal has always been a concern for the Bangladesh cricket team. Nazmul Hossain Shanto thinks he can fill the gap if he gets the opportunity.

Nazmul is currently part of the 31-man preliminary squad picked by the Bangladesh Cricket Board ahead of the upcoming series against Afghanistan and West Indies.

The competition for the opening slot has intensified over time with the likes of Anamul Haque, Mohammad Mithun and Liton Das getting opportunities in recent series at home and away.

Liton had been able to make a mark in the recently concluded Nidahas Trophy while Anamul Haque featured in the home tri-nation series, but was dropped for the final which Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka.

"No one has been able to cement their place alongside Tamim bhai in the opening slot yet. I am not saying that I will be able to secure the opening slot but my intention is to perform consistently," Nazmul said.

The left-handed opener, struck four tons this season for Abahani in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) and finished as the highest run-getter in the tournament with 749 runs at an average of 57.61.

"I try to score runs consistently in any tournament. I will try to do the same here if I get the opportunity." Nazmul commented regarding what he wants to achieve if he gets the opportunity to feature in the international scene.