Bangladesh did exceptionally well in forcing draw in the high scoring first test match in Chittagong against Sri Lanka.
On retrospect there are many genuine criticisms about the wicket and selection of Bangladesh team and general outlook of the team management. But that match is done and dusted with honors evenly shared. Bangladesh had several positives and also few negatives. But ultimate out come must have given Bangladesh new encouragement for performing better in Dhaka.
We have seen even ICC has condemned the nature of the wicket. Do not know what went through the minds of BCB policy makers for prescribing such docile wicket? Why on such a wicket a very inexperienced bowling attack was made sacrificial goat? What was the point of favoring rookie Sunzamul above veteran Abdur Razzak and why Mustafiz was left alone in the pace attack? Why Bangladesh was so defensive when they won the test last time they met in Sri Lanka? No time to atone for these. Second and final test starts tomorrow in Dhaka. Hope the wicket will be at least not a dead surface and have something for bowlers.
Bangladesh has already reduced the squad to 15 scrapping Rubel from the squad. Sabbir has replaced Mosaddek. We are almost sure that Sunzamul has no chance to play which automatically brings into picture Abdur Razzak. We think there is nothing doing with top order till Mahmudullah appearing batting at six. Bangladesh must decide whether to have 6 batsmen and 5 bowler option with three spinners and two seam bowlers. Alternately Sabbir can bat at seven and three can be four main stream bowlers –two Pacers and Two Spinners.
Whatever be the nature of the wicket would never suggest going with Mustafiz alone pace bowling option. Bangladesh will be in very difficult situation if they prepare spinning track like they did against England and Australia in Dhaka. Sri Lanka has far better spinners and they also play spin well. I think Mustafiz and Rabbi must play as partners in Dhaka. Razzak and Taijul may be two spinners. Mahmudullah and Sabbir may bowl few spells also if wicket favors spin.
There is not much concern with batting. Tamim and Kayes are the best test openers for a while. They batted reasonably well in Chittagong test. Mominul entered exclusive club of great batsmen scoring centuries in either innings. Mushfique played a great first innings but failed in the second. Liton failed in the first but exceptionally well in the second. Mahmudullah was in his true self in both the innings. Hope re-inclusion of Sabbir would strengthen the batting. Poor Mosaddek was looking out of sorts in both innings. I think Bangladesh tail wagged well.
Bowling was a bit of concern. But the wicket had nothing for any bowler. Still bowlers kept their patience well in the marathon Lankan innings. Fielding must be lot smarter. Few catches were dropped and stumping chances were not availed .Hope this area would be ironed out.
Bangladesh must play aggressive cricket targeting the series win. Such opportunity rarely comes.
My Team for Dhaka Test Would be
Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton K Das, Mahmudullah Riyad, Sabbir Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Abdur Razzak, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Mustafizur Rahman
BDST: 0857 HRS, FEB 7, 2018
SI
