Deep in my heart I do believe that after the trauma of test series Mashrafee-inspired team tigers would regroup and bounce back in ODI series.
The three ODIs will be played on 22, 26 and 28 July in West Indies. West Indies off course is crawling back into their brilliant best in all formats but Bangladesh in ODI is much more confident team. Addition of Mashrafee and Mustafiz in the bowling squad and Enamul Bijoy at top order batting would definitely rejuvenate team tigers.
We can better much better contest in the three matches ODI series due to start soon. Mashrafee was hesitant to join the squad nursing his ailing wife. But fortunately she is recovering and encouraged the charismatic Bangladesh captain joining his team. His midas touch always turns team tigers into a fighting unit.
Few might have failed to notice the pitiable flight of Bangladesh over the two matches test series which Bangladesh lost and lost very badly. Bangladeshi batsmen miserably failed in all four innings like raw novice. They had no technique, temperament and resolve to encounter quality West Indian pace attack on lively Antigua and Jamaica wickets.
Bangladesh looked under prepared and rusty. One there was no head coach for a long time. Two there was no appropriate preparation in the context of the wickets, environment and quality of opposition. Bangladesh despite having many experienced campaigners in the team lost very badly to an inexperienced team just maturing. Roach, Gabriel and Holder created panic.
Awe stricken Bangladeshi batsmen including senior professionals had no answer other than abject surrender. In none of four innings of two tests Bangladesh could even bat for 50 overs.
It was a sad commentary of Bangladesh Cricket. BCB could not even send a proper Manager with the team. BCB senior policy makers were more interested in World Cup Soccer.
World Cup soccer is over. Cricket frenzied Bangladeshis are looking forward to see much better performance of team tigers in the remainder of the series. We are not sure how Bangladesh would perform in T20 but ODI is possibly thec right format where Bangladesh can redeem.
Squads:
West Indies:
Jason Holder (c), Devendra Bishoo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell
West Indies squad does no have Roach, Sunil Narin, Pollard and Samuel. Even without them this squad looks pretty strong as it has Gayle, Lewis, Holder and Russel along side other budding youngsters. Fast bowling attack would comprise of Paul, Josef and Holder with Russel adding spice with his line to line medium pacers. Jason Mohammad is a highly talented young batsman. So are Hetmyer, Powerll and Hope. West Indies will not be easy team to deal with.
Bangladesh:
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (captain), Shakib Al Hasan (vice-captain), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Liton Kumar Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Nazmul Islam Apu, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider, Abu Jayed Chowdhury
We hope Mashrafee can inject hopes and ambitions to the awe stricken team from the trauma of test series. Bangladeshi bowlers looked ok in the second test. Jayed was quick and penetrative adjusting with the pace and bounce of the wickets. Shakib and Miraj exposed the weakness of Carribeans against quality spin attack.
Addition of Mashrafee and Mustafiz would add penetration and control to the attck. Mosaddeq and Nazmul Hossian Opu would add variety. If only Batsmen can regroup, show commitment and courage bowlers can play their part. It is to be seen whether Bangladesh would go for three pacers and two spinners.
On West Indian wickets seen so far pace bowlers would get purchase. If there is bounce spinners would also bowl well. Hope Bijoy can solve the problem of top order pairing well with Tamim. Liton was playing T20 cricket in test, Hope he delivers well as number three in ODI. Four, five and six would still remain fixed for Shakib, Mushfique and Mahmudullah.
Mosaddeq should be included in late middle order ahead of Shabbir for his better technique and utility as an off spineer . Mehedi Miraj, Mashrafee, Jayed/ Hider and Mustafiz will make the playing XI at least for the first ODI. If Liton fails Shabbir can fill his place.
My team for the First ODI:
Tamim, Enamul, Liton/ Sabbir, Shakib, Mushfique, Mahmudullah, Mosaddeq, Miraj, Mashrafee, Jayed and Mustafiz
West Indies had to qualify for the world cup. They have hunger to prove their best. Bangladesh desperately needs to get back into winning momentum after getting white washed in test series in West Indies and T20 against rookies Afghanistan. Hope the series will witness tight contests.
BDST: 0934 HRS, JUL 18, 2018
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