The Test series holds new challenges for the Tigers who crushed Pakistan in the ODIs as well as the T20 match.
Records say Test is not a format the hosts love most. However, they have won three of their last nine matches, although the victories were recorded against Zimbabwe. The three losses were handed by the West Indies, during the Carribean tour of the Tigers. The rest three were drawn, one against Sri Lanka and two against New Zealand. That series against the Kiwis was drawn as well.
The Tigers should set their target on a draw first. They need to go there determined not to lose. Patience will be the key. Test matches are not like the players go to the wicket and hit a century. The game should be played session by session.
There is one big responsibility on the bowlers of the team. They have to all-out the opposition twice.
The match is indeed a pressure test for batsman Mominul as he could not get a chance to play against the Pakistan team except for the practice match.
Shamsur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Al Amin, Enamul Haque, Marshall Ayub — these five have not been included in the Test squad tough they were in the team which played the last Test against Zimbabwe.
I am surprised why Nasir Hossain was left out.
I do not have a clear idea about Khulna’s wicket yet as we saw a whole new type of wicket at Mirpur. However, I assume the wicket in Khulna will be a little slow. If that is the case, the team needs at least four expert bowlers as they have to take 20 wickets of the opposition twice. Two pacers and two spinners are needed for this mission.
Rubel Hossain and Shahadat Hossain can be included in the squad as pacers. I heard Shahadat plays well at home. Along with Shakib Al Hasan, Zubair Hossain could be included as a spinner. Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul, Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah could be included as batsmen. So here is the 10-member squad.
Now the question is who will be the 11th of the team? If the team management decides to include a spinner, Taizul might have a chance. However, I think a batsman should be included in the team. Soumya Sarker would be a good choice.
Captain Mushfiqur Rahim has to bring out the best of every other player. His responsibility as a captain is to keep the team united.
Pakistani batsmen Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq could be a major impediment for the Bangladeshi team. Bowler Saeed Ajmal too could be a major threat.
The previous records and statistic say Pakistan is a favourite, however, we have to keep in mind that this is a rejuvenated team.
Source: Prothom Alo
