Following the comprehensive clean sweep in ODI series against West Indies, Bangladesh is considered favourite for winning the two matches test series. 

Winning the series will act as a big boost for Bangladesh improving its test ranking from the rock bottom. Bangladesh ranks 10th among the 12 full member countries Such an opportunity for Bangladesh may not happen in near future. For a test playing nation in the test circuit since 2020 the present standing is neither pleasing nor comfortable. 

ICC Test Ranking (January 25,2021)

It will be wishful thinking for Bangladesh to reach within top 5 in the foreseeable future. The target should be reaching within top 7 where the challenges are against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies and Afghanistan. The ranking would improve a great deal if Bangladesh can win the series against WI and achieve clean sweep. We may argue about Afghanistan’s position as they have played only three tests. But the most important is that Afghanistan won against Bangladesh.

However, the task would not be easy at all. Bangladesh has to play out of the skin applying and committing skills, experience of senior professionals. We know test cricket is a different ball game. We know Bangladesh in test cricket was not at all doing well in Test.  We hope team tigers hungry for success would leave nothing unturned to redeem them in test as well. West Indies team is understrength as several first-choice players absenting for corona and other reasons. However, it is still reasonably strong with brilliant all-round attack (good pace bowlers and some quality spinners). 

West Indies Test Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer, Jomel Warrican.

Shannon Gabriel, Kemer Roach would create some challenges for Bangladesh batsmen. They are among the top pacers at the moment. In the past Bangladesh struggled against them. Alzari Joseph looked impressive in ODI. Perhaps Rahkeem Cornwall and Jomel Warricon would take care of the spin attack. West Indian batting would be very different in test. Captain Braithwaite and Vice-Captain Blackwood will be the main stay of WI batting. They did not do all that bad in England and New Zealand. Bangladesh has already seen Joshua Da Silva, Kyle Merers and Nkrumah Bonner. Even this depleted West Indies will be a tough opposition for Bangladesh in test as Bangladesh could not make any preparation whatsoever for longer version red ball cricket.

The healthy sign is that Tamim, Shakib, Mushfique looked in great batting form in ODI. They have to do bulk of the batting. Mominul will be there to contribute. But, after his hand injury it is to be seen how he recovers his form. We do not think it will be a wise decision not including experienced quality batsman Mahmudullah Riad   for the test. One among Saif Hasan, Shadman would partner Tamim in opening the innings. Three, four and five should be Captain Mominul, Mushfique and Shakib.Mushfique will be the king pin of Bangladesh batting. The entire batting would rotate around him. 
Including experienced in form Mahmudullah for batting at number six would be smart decision. Liton would keep wickets and bat at number 7 . Mehedy Miraj and Taijul would be there at 8 and 9. With injury concern of Shakib, Taijul/ Naeem Hasan would be automatic choice if Bangladesh plans to appear with 2 pacers two spinners and Shakib. There may be thoughts about playing three pacers. Rahi and Ebadat are automatic choice. Bangladesh may be in a dilemma whether or not playing Mustafiz or keeping him fresh for New Zealand tour. 

Chottogram wicket traditional turns out a batting paradise with spinners getting purchase at day four and five. West Indies having a balanced attack would create dilemma about the nature of wicket Bangladesh prepares. It is winter. As such first session day one pacers may get some assistance on misty morning. Will Bangladesh risk batting against Gabriel, Roach and Company if they win the toss? The memory of getting blown away by this bowling combination is still fresh in many persons memory.

Anyway, Bangladesh players must play out of the skins to wrest initiative and displaying positive approach go all out for winning the series. 

BDST: 1240 HRS, JAN 28, 2021
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