A Drawn First Test at Chattogram: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

The opening Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Chattogram ended without a result, but it was far from uneventful. As Day 5 began, hopes soared for a thrilling finish, with Bangladesh’s spinners poised to unsettle the Sri Lankan batting order. Yet, the visitors, displaying grit and composure, weathered the storm to secure a hard-fought draw. 

Shakib Al Hasan: The Eternal Warrior

Doubt loomed over Shakib Al Hasan’s participation after his COVID-19 diagnosis, but champions are not defined by circumstance. Despite limited preparation, Shakib’s performance was a masterclass in skill and determination. 

His spell on Day 5 was a symphony of precision and guile. His variations, including an experimental Chinaman delivery, consistently tested Sri Lanka’s resolve. Shakib didn’t just bowl; he orchestrated the pressure, creating openings for Nayeem Hasan to capitalize and providing vital support to Taijul Islam. 

Shakib’s contribution transcended statistics—it was a testament to his resilience and his ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most. 

Mushfiqur Rahim Joins the 5000 Club

Mushfiqur Rahim’s journey from a precocious teenager in 2005 to becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score 5000 Test runs is a narrative of perseverance. Over the years, he has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s batting, weathering criticism and setbacks with quiet determination. 

His achievement at Chattogram was more than a personal milestone; it symbolized the evolution of Bangladeshi cricket. Mushfiqur’s innings were a blend of patience and intent, laying a solid foundation for his team. With his experience and drive, he remains a vital figure in Bangladesh’s Test ambitions. 

Tamim Iqbal: A Masterclass in Opening

Tamim Iqbal’s performance in Chattogram was a study in how an opener can set the tone for a batting lineup. His fluent strokeplay, particularly through the offside, was a delight to watch. Tamim’s ability to rotate strike and find boundaries kept the Sri Lankan bowlers on the defensive. 

The scorching heat eventually forced him to retire hurt, robbing him of the chance to convert his innings into a bigger score. Yet, his contribution underscored the importance of a strong start, providing Bangladesh with momentum and confidence. 

Sri Lanka’s Resolve with the Bat

Sri Lanka’s batting efforts were a tale of two innings, both marked by determination and resilience. Angelo Mathews, the linchpin of their lineup, delivered a near-flawless 199 in the first innings, anchoring partnerships that steadied the team after early setbacks. 

Mathews’ dismissal for a double-century near-miss was heart-wrenching, but his knock set the tone for Sri Lanka’s resistance. In the second innings, with their backs against the wall, Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella showcased extraordinary patience. Their 99-run partnership for the seventh wicket absorbed 203 deliveries, effectively blunting Bangladesh’s attack. 

Sri Lanka’s ability to dig deep in challenging conditions speaks volumes about their character and provides a solid foundation for the second Test in Mirpur. 

Sri Lanka’s Pacers: A Revelation

On a surface traditionally favouring spinners, Sri Lanka’s pacers emerged as unexpected heroes. The loss of Vishwa Fernando to a concussion could have derailed their plans, but Kasun Rajitha’s introduction proved transformative. 

Rajitha’s disciplined lines and lengths complemented Asitha Fernando’s fiery aggression. Together, they shared seven wickets, unsettling Bangladesh’s batters with pace, bounce, and relentless accuracy. Asitha’s short-pitched barrage in the sweltering heat was particularly commendable, embodying the fighting spirit of the visitors. 

While spin will likely dominate discussions for the Mirpur Test, Sri Lanka would do well to harness the potential of their pacers. Rajitha and Fernando have shown they can be game-changers, even on spin-friendly pitches. 

Conclusion: A Prelude to Mirpur

The Chattogram Test was a compelling showcase of skill, resilience, and tactical acumen. For Bangladesh, it highlighted areas of strength, such as their spinners and experienced batters, while exposing vulnerabilities in their batting under pressure. For Sri Lanka, it was a reminder of their capacity to fight against the odds, with their pacers and middle-order batting offering hope for the future. 

As the teams prepare for the second Test in Mirpur, the stakes are high. Will Bangladesh capitalize on their home advantage, or will Sri Lanka’s newfound confidence propel them to a series-defining performance? The answers lie in the next chapter of this intriguing contest. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka: A Test Series Amid Transition and Turmoil

As Sri Lanka prepares to face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series beginning Sunday, May 15, cricket serves as a temporary respite for a nation embroiled in profound challenges. For decades, Sri Lanka has been a vibrant thread in the fabric of international cricket, producing legends and moments that have enriched the sport. Yet, the current socio-economic crisis gripping the island nation casts a long shadow over their cricketing aspirations. 

In such testing times, focusing on cricket is a monumental task for the players. The Sri Lankan team finds itself in a period of transition, struggling to rediscover its identity while carrying the weight of their nation’s struggles. 

Bangladesh: Favorites at Home

Unlike many previous encounters, Bangladesh enters this series as the favourite. Their recent exploits in New Zealand and South Africa have instilled a quiet confidence, and the home advantage further tips the scales in their favour. Most of their key players are available, and the Tigers will look to capitalize on this opportunity to reaffirm their standing in Test cricket. 

Shakib Al Hasan’s availability, confirmed after a negative COVID-19 test, adds depth to the squad, although head coach Russell Domingo remains cautious about his fitness. The absence of Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz due to injuries is a setback, but Bangladesh’s bench strength offers hope. 

The bowling unit, led by the ever-reliable Taijul Islam, will shoulder the responsibility of exploiting familiar home conditions. However, with Allan Donald at the helm of their pace bowling development, there’s a growing emphasis on nurturing a formidable seam attack. Donald’s focus on reverse swing and the art of old-ball bowling reflects a long-term vision for Bangladesh’s pace arsenal. 

Donald’s words underscore the essence of Test cricket: 

"The biggest thing here is the old-ball bowling. In every training session, I’ve emphasized getting the ball to reverse and being patient and creative with it. The boys know their conditions, but the challenge lies in persistence and creativity.

Despite the promise in their bowling, Bangladesh’s batting remains a concern. The Tigers’ batters delivered a historic win in New Zealand but faltered badly in South Africa, exposing their vulnerability to quality spin. A collective batting effort will be crucial if they are to assert dominance in this series. 

Sri Lanka: Underdogs with Potential

Sri Lanka, under the new coaching regime of Chris Silverwood and assistant coach Naveed Nawaz, are embracing the underdog tag. With key pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara unavailable and the retirement of Suranga Lakmal, the team faces a steep challenge. Yet, Silverwood’s confidence in young pacers and Nawaz’s tactical acumen offer a glimmer of hope. 

Nawaz, a former architect of Bangladesh’s Under-19 success, brings a unique perspective to the Sri Lankan camp. His emphasis on individuality and expression is a refreshing approach for a team in transition: 

"I want the Sri Lankan flair. I want the boys to express themselves and fly the flag for Sri Lanka."

Sri Lanka’s players, aware of their status as underdogs, could prove dangerous. A team with its back against the wall often finds an extra reserve of resilience, and Bangladesh would do well not to underestimate their opponents. 

A Series of Contrasts and Challenges

This series represents more than just cricket. For Sri Lanka, it’s a chance to rally in the face of adversity, to find solace and unity on the field. For Bangladesh, it’s an opportunity to consolidate their gains and prove their mettle as a rising force in Test cricket. 

Both teams are navigating transitions, albeit under vastly different circumstances. Bangladesh, buoyed by recent successes, must guard against complacency. Sri Lanka, facing internal and external struggles, must summon every ounce of determination to compete. 

As the first Test unfolds, the stakes go beyond runs and wickets. It’s a clash of intent, spirit, and resilience—a reminder of cricket’s ability to inspire and unite, even in the darkest of times.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Brendon McCullum: England’s Bold Gamble for a Test Cricket Renaissance

 Change demands risk, and with risk comes the promise of transformation. It’s in these moments of boldness that dynamism is born, and passion is rediscovered in ways previously unimaginable. For cricket, adopting an aggressive approach often becomes the cornerstone of a brighter future. 

Team India’s evolution under Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri is a testament to this philosophy, as is New Zealand’s metamorphosis under Brendon McCullum’s leadership. Bangladesh, too, under Chandika Hathurusingha, briefly teased the prospect of ascending to cricket’s elite. These stories underline a simple truth: to rise, one must embrace change, no matter how audacious. 

England, however, had been stuck in a rut. For years, their Test cricket fortunes had languished in mediocrity. Faith in captain Joe Root and coach Chris Silverwood was unwavering, but the results told a different story. Frustration among fans and critics grew, culminating in the end of Root’s captaincy, Silverwood’s tenure, and team director Ashley Giles’s leadership. 

A new chapter was needed, and England turned the page with a series of bold appointments: Rob Key as managing director, Ben Stokes as Test captain, and, most intriguingly, Brendon McCullum as head coach. 

McCullum: The Maverick Appointment

The choice of McCullum, a New Zealander with a reputation for fearlessness and flair, raised eyebrows. Gary Kirsten, a seasoned coach with proven success in Test cricket, seemed the safer option. Yet England opted for McCullum, a man whose coaching experience is largely confined to the frenetic world of T20 franchise leagues. 

This decision isn’t without precedent. McCullum’s transformation of New Zealand cricket after taking over as captain in 2013 was nothing short of revolutionary. Despite a rocky start, he instilled a fearless brand of cricket, blending high-octane aggression with sportsmanship and camaraderie. Under his leadership, New Zealand became a team that not only entertained but commanded respect worldwide. 

England now hope McCullum can replicate that magic, pairing his dynamism with Ben Stokes’s aggression to create a fearsome, rejuvenated Test side. 

The McCullum Effect: Lessons from New Zealand

When McCullum took over New Zealand’s captaincy, the team was in disarray. A humiliating defeat in South Africa had exposed deep flaws in a side struggling with self-belief and cohesion. McCullum’s response was to strip cricket back to its essence, rekindling the players’ love for the game. 

His leadership fostered a schoolboy-like enthusiasm for cricket—playing for the sheer joy of it, rather than the burden of expectation. This cultural shift laid the foundation for New Zealand’s future success, culminating in their rise to global prominence and a World Test Championship title in 2021. 

Eoin Morgan, inspired by McCullum, applied a similar philosophy to England’s white-ball cricket. Since 2015, England’s aggressive, fearless approach has revolutionized the ODI and T20 formats, culminating in World Cup glory in 2019. 

A Gamble Worth Taking

Coaching, however, is a different beast from captaincy. McCullum’s lack of experience in the longer format as a coach introduces an element of risk. His success in the T20 leagues, while noteworthy, doesn’t guarantee similar results in the demanding world of Test cricket. 

Yet, it is precisely this gamble that makes McCullum’s appointment so intriguing. England are not merely seeking tactical acumen; they are searching for a cultural shift. McCullum’s ability to instil a fearless, winning mentality is what they hope will bridge the gap between potential and performance. 

The parallels to his New Zealand tenure are striking. England, like New Zealand in 2013, find themselves at a crossroads. They require more than a coach—they need a visionary capable of reigniting passion and belief within the squad. 

The Road Ahead

England’s decision to place their faith in McCullum is a declaration of intent. It signals a desire to break free from the shackles of caution and embrace a new era of bold, aggressive cricket. Whether McCullum is the missing piece of the puzzle remains to be seen, but his appointment is a statement that England are ready to take risks for the sake of revival. 

For McCullum, the challenge is immense. Transforming a struggling team into world-beaters is no small task, but if anyone understands the power of belief and the beauty of playing without fear, it is him. 

As England embark on this journey, one thing is certain: their cricket will no longer be predictable. It will be daring, dynamic, and, above all, passionate—a reflection of the man tasked with leading their revival.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Glimmers of Greatness: Mohammad Ashraful’s Masterclass and the Eternal Struggle of Bangladeshi Cricket

Next week, Chattogram will again become the battleground for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as the two nations lock horns in the ICC World Test Championship. The anticipation is heavy, rooted in history and tinged with memories of battles past. Since their first meeting in the 2001 Asian Test Championship, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shared a rivalry marked not by parity but by persistence — Bangladesh, still finding their feet in Test cricket, and Sri Lanka, a well-established force at the time. The story of these matches is often one of valiant attempts punctuated by occasional brilliance.  

And among those moments of brilliance, Mohammad Ashraful’s iconic 136 against Sri Lanka at Chattogram in 2006 stands tall—a spellbinding performance that epitomized both the promise and frustration of Bangladeshi cricket. 

The Bogra Beginning and MA Aziz’s Legacy

When the Lankans toured Bangladesh in 2006 for a bilateral series, the Tigers hoped to build on recent improvements under coach Dav Whatmore. Despite a morale-boosting ODI victory at Bogra—their first against Sri Lanka—the real challenge was always going to be the longer format.  

The second Test at Chattogram brought both nations to the historic MA Aziz Stadium, a venue not just beloved for cricket but symbolic of the city’s role in Bangladesh’s struggle for independence in 1971. In earlier decades, this very ground welcomed legends like India’s Vinoo Mankad and England’s MCC under Donald Carr. It was also where Bangladesh clinched their first-ever Test victory in 2005, after 34 painful attempts—a venue where history whispers from the stands.

But as the two teams clashed in 2006, history didn’t seem to favor the hosts. After a comprehensive loss in the first Test at Bogra, expectations from the home crowd were tempered. Yet, this was cricket—fickle, full of surprises, where individual genius can change the course of a match, if only for a fleeting moment.

Ashraful’s Arrival: A Symphony of Strokes

Bangladesh’s innings began on a cautious note. Habibul Bashar, the skipper, elected to bat first, aware that the early morning breeze off the Bay of Bengal would offer assistance to seamers. And seamers Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof did not disappoint. Malinga, with his trademark slinging action, struck in the opening exchanges to dismiss Javed Omar.  

Opener Nafees Iqbal and Captain Bashar then forged a steady partnership, weathering the storm for a while. But as so often with Bangladesh, their solidity was fleeting. Wickets began to tumble. And then, the young Mohammad Ashraful strode to the crease.  

From the moment Ashraful took his stance, something felt different. On his second delivery, he leaned into a cover drive off Malinga Bandara—a stroke so elegantly timed that even the fielders paused to admire it. As his innings unfolded, it became clear that Ashraful wasn’t just batting; he was composing a masterpiece. His first boundary—a stylish late cut to third man—set the tone for a knock that was equal parts artistry and audacity.  

Facing the wily Muttiah Muralitharan at the other end, Ashraful displayed a poise that belied his years. He navigated the maestro’s off-breaks with nimble footwork, choosing discretion over recklessness—at least initially. When Murali tossed one up temptingly, Ashraful resisted the urge to slog, instead stroking a delicate glance to the fine-leg boundary. It was an innings defined by balance—between caution and aggression, between elegance and power.  

The Turning of the Tide: A Solo Act Amidst Collapse

As wickets crumbled at the other end, Ashraful shifted gears. He knew that waiting for partners to build meaningful stands was a futile hope. So, he transformed the innings into a counterattack. His reverse sweeps off Murali were not just effective but cheekily defiant, while his six off Bandara symbolized a fearless batsman at the peak of his powers. Against Dilhara Fernando, he stood tall, sending a delivery over backward point for six—an exhibition of confidence that few Bangladeshi batters of the era possessed.  

With each stroke, Ashraful gave Bangladesh hope, even if only briefly. His bat was not just a weapon; it was a wand, casting spells that charmed the crowd and momentarily paralyzed the Sri Lankan attack. For 184 deliveries, he carried his side on his slender shoulders, scoring 136 runs laced with 15 boundaries and 3 sixes. And yet, like all good things in Bangladeshi cricket, it didn’t last.  

Attempting a slog-sweep off Murali, Ashraful mistimed the shot, holing out to Dilhara Fernando at deep midwicket. It was the kind of dismissal that defined him—brilliant, bold, but tragically impatient. Once again, his inability to temper talent with discipline had cost him and his team.  

The Tale of Two Ashrafuls: Genius and Flaws in Equal Measure

Ashraful’s innings was a microcosm of Bangladesh’s cricketing journey—bursting with promise, dazzling in moments, but undone by inconsistency. The sheer beauty of his stroke play raised expectations, yet his dismissal embodied the frustration that has haunted Bangladesh cricket. He was not just a player; he was a symbol of what the nation’s cricket could be—if only brilliance could be sustained.  

His failure to replicate the magic in the second innings, dismissed cheaply for 1, was a sobering reminder that cricket is as much about consistency as it is about moments of genius. Bangladesh eventually folded for 181, setting Sri Lanka a modest target, which they chased down with ease. The visitors left victorious, but Ashraful’s innings lingered in the memory—a bittersweet performance that hinted at a future never fully realized.

Legacy of the Knock: Hope Amid Defeat 

Despite the loss, there was a silver lining. Ashraful’s innings was a beacon for a young team trying to find its identity in the Test arena. For a brief moment, he bridged the gap between what Bangladesh was and what it aspired to be—a competitive Test side that could stand toe-to-toe with the best.  

The performance at Chattogram gave the fans a reason to dream, even if the dream was fragile. It showcased what was possible when individual brilliance aligned with opportunity. The tragedy of Mohammad Ashraful’s career is not that he lacked talent, but that the brilliance he exhibited was often fleeting—flashes of light in a sky that too often remained overcast.

Epilogue: The Eternal Quest for Stability

As Bangladesh and Sri Lanka prepare to meet again at Chattogram next week, the echoes of that 2006 Test resonate. The stadium, rich in history, will once more witness a contest where the stakes are high. The fans will hope for a repeat of Ashraful’s brilliance—only this time, tempered by the maturity that comes with experience.  

For Bangladeshi cricket, the journey continues. And with every boundary, every dismissal, and every cheer from the stands, the ghosts of past glories and disappointments will dance in the background—reminding players and fans alike that in cricket, as in life, brilliance must be matched by resolve.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Resurrection at the Bernabéu: Real Madrid’s Night of Miracles

The night began with an air of inevitability. Real Madrid were destined to bow out of the Champions League, vanquished once more by an English club. The spectators at the Bernabéu braced for the end, while billions of viewers around the world watched as Manchester City prepared to punch their ticket to Paris. The narrative was set: City would finally claim their place in the pantheon of European champions. 

But Real Madrid had other plans. 

This was not a comeback; it was a resurrection. A night when the unthinkable became reality when football’s most storied club reminded the world that they do not play by the same rules as others. 

When the hearts of Madridistas faltered, their team delivered a shock that could revive the lifeless. The Bernabéu, silenced moments earlier, erupted into chaos. Real Madrid won. 

And with that, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City suffered yet another heartbreak, a defeat as devastating in its manner as in its consequence. 

The Anatomy of a Miracle

Manchester City were in control. For 89 minutes, they had been the better team, dictating play with their trademark precision. Jack Grealish, a late substitute, had two golden chances to seal the tie. The first was cleared off the line, the second diverted by the faintest of touches from Thibaut Courtois. City had silenced the Bernabéu. The game was as good as won. 

And then it wasn’t. 

Real Madrid’s response was not just football—it was an act of defiance, a demonstration of the club’s unyielding spirit. The architect of this miracle was Rodrygo, a substitute who transformed despair into euphoria. 

His first goal, in the 90th minute, seemed like a consolation—a gesture to salvage pride. But a minute later, he struck again, turning the tie on its head. Karim Benzema, quiet for much of the night, delivered a deft volleyed cross for the first goal, his outstretched foot beating Ederson. For the second, Marco Asensio’s flick met Dani Carvajal’s cross, and Rodrygo rose above a stunned City defence to head the ball home. 

In 60 seconds, Real Madrid had shattered City’s composure and rewritten the script. 

Extra Time: The Final Blow

As the game entered extra time, City were in disarray. The composure and control that had defined their performance evaporated, replaced by confusion and desperation. 

Barely three minutes into the additional period, Ruben Dias lunged clumsily at Benzema inside the box. The Italian referee, Daniele Orsato, pointed to the spot without hesitation. The Bernabéu held its breath. 

Benzema, the talisman of this extraordinary campaign, stepped up. No Panenka this time. No theatrics. Just a low, clinical strike to Ederson’s left. The net rippled, and the Bernabéu exploded. 

City were finished. Their spirit, so vibrant minutes earlier, was extinguished. Real Madrid, on the other hand, had ascended to their familiar place as the gods of the Champions League. 

A Night for the Ages

This was more than a victory. It was a statement, a reminder that Real Madrid’s relationship with the Champions League is unlike any other. Where others falter, they thrive. Where hope dies, they find life. 

City, for all their brilliance, were undone by Madrid’s indomitable will. Guardiola’s men controlled the game but lost the moment. The ghosts of past failures—Monaco, Liverpool, Tottenham, Lyon—hovered over them once more. 

For Madrid, this was a triumph of belief, orchestrated by Carlo Ancelotti’s steady hand and executed by a team that refuses to surrender. Rodrygo’s brilliance, Benzema’s composure, Courtois’s resilience—they all combined to create a masterpiece of football drama. 

As the final whistle blew, the Bernabéu stood as one, celebrating a night that will be etched in history. Real Madrid had risen from the ashes, their never-say-die attitude turning despair into glory. 

Paris awaits, but for now, this night belongs to Madrid. The night they resurrected themselves, the night they reminded the world why they are the kings of Europe. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar