It was easier against Zimbabwe. But team tigers had to struggle in avoiding whitewash. Now against stronger West Indies it seems probable if Bangladesh can come out from its inconsistent trail in Test Cricket. With four quality spinners Bangladesh starts with noses in front in the series. Having won the first test at Chottogram comfortably by 64 runs Bangladesh is comfortably placed. It will be sweet series whitewash if Bangladesh can keep their composure and play to their growing potential.
The nature and character of the SBNCS would not be much different .The only concern may be Mr Dependable Mushfiqur Rahim recovering on time for anchoring Bangladesh middle order. In the low scoring match at Chottogram he did not contribute much. But Mushy remains the best technically equipped Bangladesh batsman around whom batting revolves. With Tamim still not available Mushfiques absence may hurt.
Every country prepares wicket to suit their strength. There is no doubt spin is the strength of Bangladesh. Australia, West Indies, England and South Africa do not prepare spinning wickets to prepare their visitors. But wickets must not be prepared in a way where even home team struggles for survival even on the second afternoon. Bangladesh should bat much better on spinning tracks unlike they are doing in the recent past on the home wicket.
Bangladesh has included teenager opening batsman Shadman as a possible candidate for opening the batting. They have also recalled Liton K Das as a cover for Mushfique. Rest of the squad remains unaltered. It is highly unlikely that four men lethal spin combination would be altered. West Indies would be forced bring in Remond Reifer or Kimo Paul in place of suspended Shanon Gabriel. They may ponder about bringing some changes in batting as other than Hetmeyer and Dorwitch none appeared coping with skilled Bangladesh spin attack. Bangladesh is set to earn yet another series white wash.
It is the advent of winter. The misty morning session assist the pacers. If Bangladesh bat first they must put all efforts for surviving the first session of day one as Khemer Roach will definitely test and torment Bangladesh top order. I do not think scrapping put Kayes was a smart decision. Soumya looked awful in his two innings on return and Sadman is a rookie. Even if Liton plays he too did not have good experience in test off late. Hope Mominul retains his prolific touch and Shakib gets up to his brilliant best with the bat soon. Mithun was not looking bad in most of test innings he has played so far, but he could not play a long innings yet. Mahmudullah and Meraj would have to bat with concentration and patience. 400 plus in the first innings would be winning score but for that Batsmen have to grind , graft and play genuine test cricket. One must not expect tail wagging regularly. If batting first Bangladesh should target batting once only as batting in Bangladesh wickets on the third and fourth days get increasingly difficult recently.
As far as the bowling unit is concerned Bangladesh has to play with four spinners. If Mushfique is not fit to play Liton will be automatic choice as opener cum wicket keeper. In that case Soumya can still be included for batting at number 7 for using his occasional seam bowling. I would rather go for teenage speed star Khaled for short burst instead of wasting Mustafiz on unresponsive wickets. Let him be preserved for the shorter versions. Four spinners are four different types. Shakib and Taijul two left arm spinners are matured. They can do both the role of containment and attack. Mehedy is an attacking option and so does teenager Naeem Hasan as seen in his first test. Bowlers usually hunt in pairs. In Bangladesh case now we now have four. What Bangladesh miss now is a quality leg spinners. On a wearing pitch leggies are match winners.
West Indies have their options cut out. It is a do or die match for them. Win they level the series, draw they lose it and loose they get Banglawashed. They will be desperate. Loss of Gabriel may hurt them. Reiffer or Paul would step in. D Bishoo and Sikandar Raza are also quality spinners. They have some other bits and pieces spinners who would also chip in. But batting is their main concern. They loose wickets in heaps at the start and can not regroup. But if Bangladesh can not bat sensibly against very strong West Indies attack West Indies would bounce back and may surprise Bangladesh. Hetmeyer, Dorwich, Ambris showed their quality briefly in Chattogram.
Braithwaitte and Chase would have to apply. It is test cricket and once West Indies were world beaters. Their reputation are now at stake.
Having discussed all these the stage is set for a Bangla Wash at SBNCS Dhaka. How sweet it will be for team tigers on the beginning of December the month of Victory of Bangladesh.
BDST: 1201 HRS, NOV 30, 2018
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