The abysmal performance of Bangladesh cricket team in New Zealand is an event of the past. The comprehensive white wash in ODI and T20 has impacted on IC C ranking of Bangladesh team in both the format. If Bangladesh cannot reverse the tide in the series in future Bangladesh would to appear in the qualifying competitions of ICC ODI and T20I championships.  It cannot be guaranteed Bangladesh can win in both of the competition. Hence there is risk of Bangladesh mission out in the championship. 

Given the excellent form of New Zealand in all formats and in the context of challenges of wickets and conditions of New Zealand it was anticipated that Bangladesh would get white wash in both the series. That apprehension was strengthened following absence of charismatic captain Mashrafe and Shakib Al Hasan given paternity leave.  But none in wildest imagination imagined that Bangladesh would most of the matches in the manner they did. Bangladesh scored unbelievable 131 and 154 in the first and the third ODI. Bangladesh could create some contest in the second ODI scoring 271 but letting the opportunity out of their grasp for atrocious fielding and catch missing Bangladesh lost by 5 wickets. These led to humiliating white wash in the ODI series. The situation was no different in the T20 series. The fielding did not improve. Bangladesh dropped about a dozen catches in three matches. The most humiliating of these was Bangladesh getting all out for 76 in the third match turned in to 10-10 match for rain interruption. We hope BCB would carry out authentic post mortem of the disaster getting and analyzing reports of Manager, coach and the captains. The most worrying part is the injury of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riad. The match fitness of both is essential soon. Arguably Mushfique is the best batsman of Bangladesh in all formats. In the absence of Shakib from the test series against Sri Lanka Mahmudullah Raid was likely to make a comeback in test series. 

In 2021 Bangladesh is due to play in several more bilateral series at home and on tour between now and ICC T20 Championship due to be held in October 2021. Bangladesh will play two matches Test Series against Sri Lanka in the middle of this month. Depending on COVID situation Sri Lanka would play ODI and T20 series against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. It may be mentioned here that following the wide spread of second wave of COVID Government has announced countrywide week-long lock down. It is not clear at this stage how long the lock down would continue. But Bangladesh cricket has to remain prepared for playing in all the upcoming series. The team for playing the test series would leave Dhaka on 12 April 2021.

What Can Be Expected In The Test Series Against Sri Lanka?
Bangladesh test team looked in a very poor shape against weakened West Indies. Bangladesh was white washed at home losing tests at Chattogram and Dhaka. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has just completed a drawn test series against West Indies in West Indies. When writing the report, the fate of series is hanging in the balance. Following outbreak of the second wave of the COVID Sri Lanka has reintroduced 14 days intensive quarantine . BCB has not issued any official reaction yet. The series has been put back twice in the past. However, notwithstanding what decision may come Bangladesh would need announcing the squad. ICC has announced its decision that teams can now take 30-man squad taking into consideration concussion and COVID replacement. Meantime the NCL, which resumed only just, has been suspended. 

However, if the Sri Lanka tour goes ahead Bangladesh would need obliging to 14 days intensive quarantine on arrival in Sri Lanka. It will be extremely challenging for those players who already had 14 days quarantine at Christchurch prior to New Zealand series. But for the outbreak of the second wave of COVID in Bangladesh quarantine protocol cannot be avoided. 

What should be Bangladesh Squad Composition? 
We are aware that Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman have been allowed leave of absence letting them play in IPL 2021. We are not sure whether Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah have recovered from injury. Bangladesh would be allowed to take 30 members squad as per new ICC provision as replacement would be permitted during the series for COVID and concussion.  The team that played against West Indies in the Dhaka test should be expanded adding Mahmudullah and some other senior experienced players. Would recommend including Imrul Kayes, Sohan, Ashraful, Taskin, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman. Would also suggest giving Tushar Imran an opportunity as well.  Few players from World Cup winning Under 19 team may also be considered. Shoriful will be there in any case. I would also recommend considering Akbar in the team also. He has the potential for growing as future wicket keeper batsman of Bangladesh. Bangladesh must also consider one leg spinner from among Aminul Islam and Rishad. Even if they not play Bangladesh need them with the team as Bangladesh batsman lack experience of playing against quality leg spinners.  We hope the pace attack led by Abu Jayed Rahi and assisted by Ebadat, Shoriful, Taskin would be able to challenge Sri Lanka. Mehedis, Naeem Hasan and Taijul with the inclusion of Aminul will be strong enough to extract benefits of spinning track in Sri Lanka. 

We have to bear in mind that Sri Lanka is well prepared now after commendable performance against West Indies in West Indies. Hope the team management would set strategy analyzing the video footage of the matches. 

BDST: 1327 HRS, APR 04, 2021
SMS