Bangladesh’s do-or-die Test against WI today
The second Test between the hosts Bangladesh and the touring West Indies will start at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.
The first day match will start today at 9:30am (Bangladesh Standard Time). Captain of the Tigers Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead his side, while Captain of the Caribbeans Roston Chase will lead his team.
The Caribbeans led the two-match Test series 1-0.
The Tigers tasted an eight-wicket defeat to the West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the capital’s Mirpur on October 31. The two-match Test series is part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship. If Bangladesh want to keep their hope alive, Bangladesh have no alternate but to win the second Test.
In the Dhaka Test, Bangladesh failed to meet expectations in every department-batting, bowling, and fielding. Apart from Shadman Islam’s century in the first innings, there was little of note in their batting performance.
The innings concluded at 272. The second innings was even more disastrous, with the team bundled out for just 142. Had it not been for a half-century from Nayeem Hasan in the lower order, the situation could have been even more embarrassing. Such a failure by the batters allowed the West Indies to take control of the match.
To bounce back in Sylhet, Bangladesh must, first and foremost, demonstrate responsibility with the bat.
The top order needs to lay a solid foundation, and the team must shed its recurring habit of throwing away wickets after getting a good start.
The middle order must take on the responsibility of building the innings. It is not enough to simply survive at the crease-runs must be scored. Putting up a substantial total in the first innings is essential.
A score approaching 400 would give the bowlers a fighting chance. Furthermore, the team must sharpen its focus in the field-matches cannot be won when catches are dropped or easy runs are conceded.
The return of Mushfiqur Rahim comes as a major relief for Bangladesh. Having recovered from an injury, this experienced batter will add significant strength to the batting lineup.
Conversely, the loss of Mominul Haque due to injury is a major setback. In his absence, others in the middle order will need to shoulder additional responsibility.
It must also be ensured that a lack of experience does not negatively impact the team’s performance.
Amite Hasan, who has joined the squad for this Test, shared his expectations regarding the pitch in Sylhet. “From what I’ve seen so far, it looks like a grassy wicket,” he said. Amite also said, “There are still a day or two left before the Test begins, so let’s see.
The pitches used for the last two NCL matches here were different, and this one is different again. We’ll have a better idea of what the surface is like in a day or two.”
Squads: Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik, Litton Das, Nayeem Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Tawhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim and Amite Hasan.
West Indies: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican, Joshua Bishop, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Kevin Wickham.
