The Caribbean team are in town to play a Test series against
us. This Caribbean side are a different cattle of fish this time around. Recent
success against the Kiwis and victory in the World T20 has made them confident,
they are a dynamic bunch of individuals who are destined to give the opposition
tougher times. In the batting they have
the dash and flair while in the bowling sector they possess immense guile and
variation. Undoubtedly, the Tigers, who will be playing Test cricket after a
year, are up to face some gritty Calypso music.
To face the Calypso music the Tigers need a team which will
offer dynamism and for which and ideal blend of youth and tried and tested packages
are needed. You can’t challenge a team beaming with confidence with dull figures.
But sadly, the Bangladeshi selectors opted for dullness.
I am surprised by the omission of Enamul Haque junior. What Enamul
need to prove to the selectors is to give his life to prove his worth and get selected
in the national squad. What he has not proved? Over the years, Enamul has been
a consistent bunny. But sadly, they were not enough to impress the selectors
who showed faith upon the out of form Elias Sunny. Perhaps, Elias Sunny’s success
in the last series against the West Indies propelled Akram Khan and Co to
select Elias Sunny, but why was not Enamul’s last series against the Caribbean
in 2009 being considered which was a major success?
A squad should be built upon a player’s recent performance
and in that sense Enamul should have been there. Akram Khan defended Enamul’s
exclusion with the availability of Shakib and perhaps, he wishes the operation
of a right arm off-spinner alongside Shakib. Young gun Sohag Gazi has been
included with the plan to aid Shakib, but I don’t mind in operating two left-arm
spinners from both the ends. As, the left-arm spinners have been our strength
for long and it’s wise to play according to our strength.
If Akram Khan is concerned too much with the experience
factor then Shakib’s guile needs the incisiveness and experience of Enamul. But
sadly, the selectors didn’t realize this. Again, we can see that tried and
tested customer Nazmul Hasan has been omitted and an inexperienced Abul Hasan
has been included. Abul’s inclusion has been defended with his ability to bowl
with pace. But what is pace if it lacks direction? It’s useless. Nazmul Hasan,
at the other hand, has developed enough control over his bowling and in the
domestic circuit he has been very productive. If Akram Khan wanted experience
then Nazmul Hasan should feature in the Test squad.
Test cricket is a stage where one needs to exhibit courage, intelligence
and skill. Many young talents, in the history of Test cricket, have displayed these
since their introduction to Test cricket. Shakib and Tamim from Bangladesh has
been proving it since their entry in Test cricket. And players like Anamul,
Soumaya and Litton Das are well blessed with these qualities. The fans expected
their inclusion in the Test side as, at least, they are way better than dull
and flop characters like Nazimuddin or Junaid Siddique. Young and gifted
players add dynamism to the team but for which a selector is needed to be bold
and intelligent to recognize such talents.
By ignoring the exuberance of youth and experience of the
tested customers Akram Khan and Co are giving us the impression of lacking the
eyes and brain to recognize and utilize talents. Or, should I say they have been
victimized by nepotism? Their acts are hinting such.
The only encouraging inclusion has been Sohag Gazi. But he
must feature in the XI rather than carrying drinks.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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