DHAKA: Bangladesh are going to play first of the two matches test series at Galle, Sri Lanka from Tuesday (7 March). It is needless to mention the historic significance of the day. The historic speech of Bangabandhu on this day in 1971 was a green signal for Bangladesh preparing for the liberation war against one of leading armed force at that day for winning the independence.

Musfique’s tiger squad can take great heart from the day. It can be the day of turning history. Bangladesh so far played 16 tests against Sri Lanka and lost 14. The other two were drawn. Mushfique himself secured the first double century for Bangladesh here, Ashraful scored a near double century (190) and Nasir a century. Ashraful after serving a suspension term is finding his way back, Nasir remains overlooked.

New Bangladesh team, of course, is a happy bunch of experienced players and talented youngsters. Perhaps the strongest Bangladesh team ever is now appearing against a new look home side. Many would think that this team can not only compete well but also may win the test and even the test series. Bangladesh would play 99 and 100th test in the series. There can be no better occasion than this for glorifying the gains.

Traditionally Galle wicket favors batsmen though quality bowlers can extract price out of it. Bangladesh now possess a quality all-round bowling attack. The young pace attack of Mustafiz, Taskin, and Rabbi boosted by the presence of experienced Rubel are definitely capable of any assistance for the pacers if available in the wicket. It will be interesting to see whether Bangladesh goes for three pacers. Mustafiz and Taskin are strike bowlers. They are not expected bowling long spells. Both of them have come back from injury in not too distant past. Sri Lankan wickets usually assist spin at some stage. Bangladesh may prefer playing three spinners including ace all-rounder Shakib. Moreover, possible inclusion of Liton Das as wicket keeper-batsman for relieving captain and leading batsman Mushfique narrows down options for playing additional bowler. Bangladesh has to take 20 Sri Lankan wickets. Three pacers, two spinners with Mahmudullah as a backup can be an ideal choice.

Tamim played an excellent inning in the lone practice match announcing his intention. The absence of Kayes through injury puts additional responsibility on Tamim for laying a solid foundation. Young Soumya has to adjust his game to test mode and play a waiting game. Little Mominul also looked in usual great touch in the practice match. Mushfique must bat at number four. We are sure memories of his great innings at the same venue will reflect back upon him. The batting would rotate around him. Relieving him from wicket-keeping duty will assist in giving additional attention in batting. Shakib and Mahmudullah should apply all their experience and skills. Liton in late middle order can apply his talent. Sabbir and Mehedi Miarz can build on solid foundations that the earlier order batsmen may provide. Even Taskin and Rabbi batted reasonably well in New Zealand and India.

The return of Mustafiz has added a new dimension to Bangladesh attack. He is a type of a bowler who can take wickets on any surface with his subtle change of pace and concealed cutters. Taskin with pace and movement can be ideal foil. If Bangladesh fields the third seamer, Rabbi would be ideal choice ahead of Rubel and Subashis. But it will be a difficult decision whether playing three pacers or three spinners. Taijul is a good test bowler to be included alongside quality spinners Shakib and Mehedi. But Sri Lankan young batting side may better be tested with three quality pacers as they are more used playing against spin.

The greatest challenge for Bangladesh would be batting well against ace Lankan spinner captain Rangana Hearth. He is a wily craftsman and always enjoy bowling on home surfaces. Bangladesh must also field well and take the catches. They did not field that well in New Zealand and India.

Many say Bangladesh has the advantage of having three Sri Lankan heads in brainstorming in the team think tank. Hope they guide their charges in the positive direction against their own country. 

The teams are evenly matched. However, Sri Lanka has home advantage. Beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is always a huge challenge. Bangladesh has not won ever against Sri Lanka in test. It has not, in fact, won any test against a full team of major test playing country on abroad. Can it start now?

My team 
Tamim, Soumya, Mominul, Mushfique, Shakib, Mahmudullah, Liton, Sabbir, Mehedi, Rabbi, Taskin and Mustafiz

Test cricket is played over 15 sessions in 5 days. The team that can produce consistent cricket over most of the sessions, win. Bangladesh must play positively over the entire duration not losing.

BDST: 1032 HRS, MAR 07, 2017
SR