Bangladesh head coach Russel Domingo has confirmed Zakir Hasan will open the batting in the first Test against India starting on Wednesday.

The Tigers go into the match having lost six of their last seven Tests with their batting being a real concern.

Players like Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque have been woefully out of form in the format and, as Test specialists, haven’t played international cricket in six months.

“Mominul and Joy last played international cricket six months ago. That’s the challenge with one-format players,” Domingo said.

“Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das are playing week in, week out. It is not a big step-up for them. But Mominul and Joy are looking good, the way they are playing.

“I know the currency is runs but technically they are looking pretty good. Joy has got a lot of starts, so it is just about finding that tempo and get the big score.”

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Zakir prefers to come in at first or second drop but showed he has the talent to open with a stunning 173 that saved Bangladesh A against India A in November.

“I have been very excited by him. He has good energy,” said Domingo. “I know he has done well domestically; he has played a T20I for Bangladesh. I like the way he looks to score when he bats.

“A little Tamim [Iqbal]-like in the way he bats. Nice and positive. Hopefully he can get off to a good, quick start tomorrow.”