Cricket-NZ brace for 'hard-fought' series against depleted Bangladesh

Cricket - One Day International - England v New Zealand - Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - September 8, 2023 New Zealand's Tim Southee Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/ File photo

DHAKA (Reuters) - New Zealand captain Tim Southee said they are expecting a "hard-fought test series" even if Bangladesh would be without several frontline players in the two-match series beginning in Sylhet on Tuesday.

Regular Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain have been ruled out of the series with injuries, while Litton Das will miss the matches being away on paternity leave.