DHAKA: We have observed various post-mortem of Bangladesh losing the test match against New Zealand at Basin Reserve in Wellington. This was, however, the first incident that a team scoring 595/8 declared in the first innings lost a test.

Bangladesh was in the driver’s seat even till the morning of the last day with a lead of 122-run and six second innings wickets in hand. At least a draw was not out of context. But Bangladesh batted poorly. Two of the key batsmen -- Kayes and Mushfique -- got injured and two main batsmen Shakib and Sabbir threw away their wickets playing irresponsible strokes. Bangladesh lost the test by seven wickets when Kiwi pacers exploited the well-known weakness of the Bangladeshi batsmen against fast rising deliveries aiming at rib cage. Bangladesh lost the match for their own failures and that must be the end of the story.

We must not forget that Bangladesh scored 595/8 on wicket against a very potent bowling attack in condition where no visiting team could score that much before. Shakib and Mushfique scored the highest ever partnership at any wicket against New Zealand in New Zealand by a visiting team. Bangladesh played with seven genuine batsmen of whom two leading batsmen got injured in the second innings. Both were to be rushed to the hospital. Bangladesh also played with five men bowling attack of which four had a total experience of playing only four tests. Captain and wicket keeper Mushfique could not field at all. Given all these into context we must assess the performance of Bangladesh. It was unfortunate that Bangladesh could not bat an hour more adding another 30-40 runs. If that happened at least a draw could be achieved. But that did not happen. While atoning that we must not lose sight of several positive achievements. We must learn lessons from mistakes and move on.

There is no gain creating excuse of watering the area around the wicket on the fourth day or Bangladesh declaring the innings on the fifth morning. Curator must not have watered the wicket without the knowledge of team management of either team. If the watering affected the wicket at all that would have affected the victory surge of Kiwis also. What was the guarantee that Bangladesh would score more runs or spend more times with 10 and jack partnering with Sabbir in the first innings. Rather declaring after an hour on the third day was a positive move.

The truth of the matter is Bangladeshi players developed fatigue and lost the momentum. Bangladesh hardly plays five-day cricket not to speak off test alone. The intensive contest over five days and very long innings of New Zealand in response to Bangladesh first innings took lot of steam out of them. Our batsmen are used to playing T20 versions and 50 overs mostly. Shakib and Sabbir getting out in the second innings were reflections of that.

We must give credit to inexperienced bowling attack. Bangladeshi bowlers bowled well in spells individually. But they could not bowl consistently well on the right channel. The fielding was poor and field setting of stand in captain lacked imagination.

New Zealand is vastly superior team. Their bowlers worked out Bangladeshi batsmen well after the first innings and bundled out Bangladesh for 160 in the second innings. Bowling handling and field setting in the second innings was also not up to the mark. Mahmudullah bowls regularly in all formats. Even in the first innings he grabbed two wickets in limited opportunity. Why he was not tried?

On the contrary champion batsman Kane Williamson knew exactly how to win in such situation. He batted brilliantly winning the match for his team. This is not the only time Bangladesh failed to consolidate on its achievements of the first innings of a test in the second. Creating opportunities it cannot cash on.

Bangladesh must look forward for the second test. The focus should be learning from the mistakes. Mushfique and Kayes may not be fit to play in the second test. In that case, Soumya and Nurul Hasan may be brought in. That will affect the batting strength a bit. Mushfique is the nucleus of the batting. His leadership will be missed. Inclusion of Soumya would allow playing Taijul in place of a seamer. Bangladesh can create pressure on Kiwi batting playing three genuine spinners at Hagley Oval wicket which would have more bounce. Moreover, Taijul is better batsman than any of the tailenders.

Forget creating excuses. Look forward and look positive.

BDST: 1447 HRS, JAN 18, 2017
SR/SMS