Bangladesh and Zimbabwe were due to play two tests as per FTP during this visit of Bangladesh. But on mutual agreement two teams agreed to prune one test for playing additional T20 matches keeping an eye on the T20 world cup scheduled for the end of the year. 

Bangladesh test squad arriving at Harare after testing Corona negative has already started practicing. They will play practice matches among them before appearing for test.

Zimbabwe has just announced a 20-member expanded squad for the one-off test against Bangladesh starting at Harare from 7 July 2021. The squad includes four uncapped players. Opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano and fast bowler Tanka Chivanga who were in the squad for two tests against Pakistan have been named yet again. The squad also includes new batting talent Joylord Gumble and teenage prodigy 19 years old Dion Myers. 

Zimbabwe would be relying mostly on their tried and tested veterans Sean Williams, Craig Irvine and Brendan Taylor for providing backbone to their batting against reasonably strong Bangladesh all round attack. Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarva would lead the bowling attack.  During the COVID pandemic All matches Test, ODIs and T20s would be played at Harare. The wicket traditionally favours pace and has steep bounce. Playing some quality pacers on bouncy wicket may not be easy for under prepared Bangladesh team in the test.

Zimbabwe Squad: Sean Williams (Capt), Regis Chakabva (wk), Tendai Chatara, Tendai Chisoro, Tanaka Chivanga, Craig Ervine, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Roy Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Kevin Kasuza, Timycen Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano

Bangladesh did not fare at all well over the last two years. Tigers finished at the bottom in the just concluded World Test Championship. Given the lean performance of the team the five senior players Tamim, Mushfique, Mominul, Shakib and Mahmudullah have to shoulder greater responsibilities. Tamim and Mushfique sustained minor injuries. Hope they would be fully fit before the match. Shakib looked completely out of form with batting and Mahmudullah was included in the test squad at the last minute. Hope captain Mominul appears in his usual prolific batting form. Perhaps Nazmul Shanto and Wicket Keeper batsman Nurul Hasan Sohan would make the playing XI. Abu Jayed Rahi and Ebadat would be first choice pacers. Depending on his fitness Taskin would join them. Otherwise Shoriful would be third pacer. Spin attack would be shared between Shakib and Mehedi Meraj. Mahmudullah would lend them support. I do not think Harare wicket would assist spin. Hence Bangladesh won’t possibly need any additional spinner. 

If the match was played Dhaka, Bangladesh had better chance of winning. But on a different wicket in under prepared condition Bangladesh may struggle to avoid defeat. Zimbabwe in home condition is a tough opponent. Moreover, they are well prepared now playing against strong Pakistan and South Africa A team. 

BDST: 1247 HRS, JUL 03, 2021
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