Wonder how success changes the morale of a cricket team. Bangladesh cricket team was struggling in finding its feet firmly in international cricket in the not too distant past. It was on a continuous losing streak. There were some outstanding performers all the time though the successes at the international level were few and far between. All that was missing was self-belief and knowing themselves well. Some confusions and controversies also created impediments.

 Only few changes towards the end of last year made dramatic reversal. The introduction of  new coaching staff especially Chandika Hathurusingha as head coach, Heath Streak as bowling coach, relieving Mushfiqur Rahman from stressful burden of leading team across all formats, softening the suspension and penalty of key player Shakib al Hasan worked wonder. The turning around at international level started with Bangladesh comprehensively whitewashing Zimbabwe at home.

Making inspirational Mashrafe as captain in limited over version of the game regenerated energy and vigor of the team. Mash has incredible ability of squeezing out the best from everyone leading with example. A new group very talented fearless young bunch of cricketers suddenly emerged. The wheel of performance started rotating on the right groove. From a mediocre team capable of achieving occasional successes the team tigers turned into a dangerous outfit in the limited version of the game. English lions were knocked out of the ICC world cup on the way of Mashrafe squad qualifying for World Cup quarterfinal for the first time. India required generous assistance of poor umpiring in winning the controversial quarterfinal at MCG.

Tigers bounced back in vengeance white washing Pakistan in ODI and winning ODI series against strong India and South Africa by identical margin of 2-1. World cricket started noticing the incredible successes of Bangladesh in cricket. Cricket became the uniting force of Bangladesh. Cricket started inspiring Bangladesh in all other aspects of nation building.

Many cricket loving persons wherever I go ask me the mystery behind the sudden change of Bangladesh cricket team as they consider this writer knowledgeable about Bangladesh Cricket.

Being an ardent follower of cricket in the region, which emerged as Bangladesh in 1971 we have a feel of root of Bangladesh cricket. We have seen how the true cricket personalities in early days of Bangladesh cricket committed their dedicated endeavors in setting a solid foundation for cricket in Bangladesh.

The love for the game in Bangladesh is no less than anywhere in the Indian subcontinent. The same love, same passion, admiration. Bangladesh abounds in raw cricket talents like any other sub continental countries. But it somehow lacks and is still lacking in appropriate cricket infrastructure at grass root level. But many individuals in the remote areas are spotting and nursing raw talents. BKSP and Cricket academy, age level cricket are nursing and maturing them.

Bangladesh has now the making of a great cricket team, which is capable of growing from strength to strength. They are now in the ideal hands of coaching staff. If only BCB officials stay away from undue interference, Tigers will continue to tweet.

This writer during last Bangladesh visit had occasion to have some intimate discussion with National selector Habibul Bashar Sumon, also spent quality time gossiping about cricket with BCB director Ahmed Sajjadul Alam Bobby, Cricket legend Roquibul Hasan. Very often, this writer exchanges views with Aminul Islam Bulbul, Yusuf Rahman Babu, Shafiqul Huq Heera, and Omar Khalid Rumi. Everyone is very optimistic about Bangladesh Cricket.

We have noticed a recent statement of Bangladesh head coach. He said Bangladesh national team now has healthy completion among quality players for getting into the side. We also agree. Bangladesh is no longer a team of Shakib, Tamim, Mashrafe and Mushfique only. It is now a complete team of quality international players. There are huge resources in the pipeline of quality teenage talents. People are not only trying to bowl like Rafique, Razzak or Shakib. They are trying to bowl fast, bat aggressively. Bangladesh now has the luxury of even rotating quality players.

The opening batting spots in test is now under occupation of Tamim and Kayes. But think of quality resources – Soumya, Anamul, Liton and Rony are knocking on the door. Couple of under 19 team talents is not also far behind. Bangladesh has wealth of talent in the middle order in Mominul, Mahamudullah, Mushfique, Shakib, Nasir and Shabbir. The teenager talents cannot also be hold back too long. It has become a blessing of plenty. The new wealth of quality batsmen has skills, courage and they are fearless. Few will mature and grow temperament.

Bangladesh used to be thought as spin dominated bowling attack and other than Mashrafe had no consistent performer in pace department. Mash has still lot of gas left in his cylinder. Bangladesh possesses teenage sensations Mustafiz, Taskin, Al Amin. There are still plenty in Rubel, Rabiul, Shafiul, and Shahid. Bangladesh continues to possess quality spinners in Shakib, Taijul, Arafat Sunny, and Jubayer. Even veterans Razzak is still active and can return any time.  There exists huge depth and diversity now in the team to develop balanced outfit. The requirement is proper care and nourishment and playing more and more quality international cricket at home and abroad.

Bangladesh is still struggling to make stronger statement in test cricket. The reason being not playing enough longer version quality cricket and absence of sporting wickets in domestic circuit. We hope BCB will try to provide at least some sporting pacey and bouncy wickets in at least 3-4 venues. Local teams must be encouraged to include 3 pacers in the team in every match. Bangladesh will need balanced attack, a proper mix of pace and spin bowlers for winning tests against quality opposition on any wicket.

It is encouraging that Bangladesh achieved credible successes in ODI in home condition. This will now influence stronger teams visiting Bangladesh more often and inviting Bangladesh in bilateral series. BCB must plan its future cricket calendar very carefully. Domestic longer version cricket will breed cricketers. It must not be compromised with T20 or other versions.

Bangladesh really has the making of a very strong cricket team. But one must not forget that players like Mashrafe, Tamim, Shakib, Mahamudullah, Mushfique does not have four than 4-5 years of cricket left in them. Younger players stepping into their shoes must be developed with a plan. Otherwise, there may be reversal of fate like what happened with West Indies and Pakistan and may happen in case of Sri Lanka and India.

Bangladesh must keep giving more and more match experience to A team. Under 19 which will provide the pipeline for quality cricketers.

BDST: 1030 HRS, SEP 12, 2015
RS/SMS