Success has many fathers, failures are orphans. At top level of international cricket or any sports, you cannot win all. No team can do that. Bangladesh is still not the best cricket team in the world. It is emerging tiger. It is graduating from one level to other. It will win some and lose some in its journey to achieve consistency. We do not think sky has come down on Bangladesh team from three losses against one of the formidable cricket team of the world. South Africa is a brutal team in bilateral contests. Even they choke at international contests. But knowledgeable cricket analysts start worrying when team performs well below its potential.

Bangladesh is in the top league of elite groups of 10 in world cricket. Playing against Australia and South Africa is like playing against Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain in soccer. No one should expect that Bangladesh would blow away the South Africans the way they did Pakistan (reforming the team after world cup) or a confused Indian team (Mustafiz triggered). South Africa is a team of top class brilliant individuals having years of glorious cricket history. Winning a match or two against them will be a bonus for Bangladesh.

But from the four matches those South Africans played so far including a practice match can we say Bangladesh could do justice to its emerging competitive image? Could they play to potential? Win or loss is a part of any game. In a completed match, it cannot be win-win at ll. But can we say Bangladesh went down fighting? In both T20 matches and the first ODI the team underperformed.  In recent times, the team did not play like panicked unit in three matches at a stretch. Is there anything wrong in team chemistry? Is there anything cooking in cricket kitchen of Bangladesh? If the team performed this question would not have arisen.

We have seen intruders had free access in players’ exclusive dressing room. We heard about camera shooting for commercials interrupting practice sessions. We heard players were called during practice sessions for unnecessary team meetings. We have heard curators preparing wickets not to the strength of the local team. We have heard selectors being dictated in squad selection by SMS of superiors. These are not only unbecoming but also distracting. Bangladesh has some established stars and few emerging talents in the team. It is not yet in a position in adopting rotating strategy, as we do not have many exceptional players to contest against the top teams consistently.

 If a player forces his entry through his performance, he must be set at his position where he performs. There must be patience with him.  An opener cannot be experimented batting at number 7 or 8. Against a very strong bowling attack in ODI if 7 batsmen cannot perform the 8th one obviously cannot. Why Liton and Rony were made to bat at 7 and 8 when they were together in the side? Has Rubel become so poor performer now that he cannot even come in the team? Why Rony Talukdar was not in the squad though he looked as one of the only few to bat properly in his debut match? Why talented Mominul is completely discarded from limited over version? Who rules the roost in Bangladesh team selection now?

We heard a special BCB was convened inviting few members of the technical committee to guide team selection. Has BCB lost confidence on selection committee and team management? BCB must understand that such panicking actions create additional stress on a team struggling to get back to its best.

The second ODI is the match where Bangladesh desperately needs to bounce back and play to its potential. If Bangladesh loses, I am afraid Bangladesh may have to embarrass the ignominy of comprehensive whitewash (Africaned).

Tamim is again going through a lean period after a purple patch. It can happen to the best of the best. We must not forget that his prolific form with the bat was among the major reasons of white washing Pakistan. If he fails again today he should be given a rest in the next ODI. A characteristic flamboyant innings of Tamim sets the tone of a competitive score. Is he getting a little uncertain about his place in the team as his partner Soumya is playing more aggressively? Tamim is still the best in his business in Bangladesh. May be today he will reappear in his sizzling form.

Someone must have a pleasant talk with belligerent Soumya. He is getting brilliant starts and then throwing down the towel. He has to bring some discretion in his batting. He has to know how to convert 20s and 30s to 80s and 90s or even 100. He cannot continue bang-bang or boom-boom consistently against bowlers of international repute.

We are sure consistent Mahmudullah will get back to his rhyme soon. He will stabilize the top order. We must not worry much about Mushfiqur. He is too good a player in not making the same mistake over and over again. He still remains the most organized batsman in all formats.

Shakib is class act and need no more discussion even. Sabbir like Soumya needs some counseling. Such a talented player is getting out attempting to play too aggressively before setting his eyes in  and knocking a few deliveries for judging the pace and bounce. Nasir is proving his all-round brilliance. We are not sure Bangladesh needs 8 batsmen as that affects the team balance. The team must not appear with bits and pieces bowlers against a very formidable batting unit. Bangladesh needs five genuine bowlers including Shakib.

Even then, if Bangladesh choses to appear with 8 batsmen Anamul should be included as opener and Soumya can bat at three bringing right and left combination.

In that case, it may sound rude but inspirational captain Mashrafe has to let Rubel get into the side in his pace. I will not suggest dropping Jubair or Mustafiz as they looked only bowlers capable of taking wickets. We cannot undermine the commitment and leadership of Mashrafe. The entire nation must remain ever grateful to this extraordinary person. But teams’ interest must be above everything. Mashrafe looks easy picking for aggressive African batsmen although he got one of the two wickets in the first ODI.

Let’s hope Bangladesh scores 275 -280 runs they still have to bowl exceptionally well against likes of Hashim Amla, de Cock, du Plessis, Russouw, Duminy, David Miller. With Taskin not available our best option is a quick burst from Rubel, continued mystery bowling of Mustafiz, variations of Jubair and consistency of Shakib. Nasir is bowling well and bringing odd breakthroughs.

Can Bangladesh effectively regroup; have horses for the courses and play to full potential today?

My team for the day would be
Tamim, Soumya, Mahamudullah, Shakib, Mushfiqur, Sabbir, Nasir, Mashrafee , Rubel , Jubair and Mustafiz .

It is do or die for the tigers. We will expect no unnecessary interference with the team by persons having no real business with the team. Let them play freely. These players have made Bangladesh proud. There are no cricketing reasons why they cannot prove again. Do not worry about wicket , does not matter batting first or second, just go out and play the way you do all the time.

BDST: 0837 HRS, JULY 11, 2015
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