For the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, BCB has announced
a 15-man Test squad. Whenever the BCB announces a team, the fans always feel relaxed and delighted to read the names of
Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Both these cricketers are Bangladesh’s golden
son and the toast of the nation. But sadly, one of the golden sons don’t
feature and he’s none other than Shakib Al Hasan. Sadly, the Bangladeshi cricket
fans will not witness Shakib’s charisma in Sri Lanka.
If Shakib was carrying an injury then why he played the
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) remains a moot question. Rather than
participating in the BPL, Shakib should have taken care of his injury more to
make himself prepare for the Sri Lanka tour. Even the BCB should have been
careful enough regarding this matter. It is understood that Shakib’s presence
was important in this year’s BPL, which had been jolted by various issues, but
the BCB mustn’t have let Shakib prolong his stay in the BPL. Against such a
high profile team like Sri Lanka, a top class performer like Shakib’s presence
was much needed.
This time around, the
selectors have been encouraging while picking up the Test team. The inclusion
of Enamul Haque junior is a tribute towards a man’s never-ending hard efforts.
Since his last Test series way back in 2009, Enamul suffered terrible lack of
attention by the Bangladeshi selectors. But such ignorance didn’t let this
charming bloke bog down. But he collected his broken pieces of confidence, fixed them
with rock solid intensity and continued to deliver the best on a regular basis
in the domestic circuit. In the last two seasons, Enamul has taken 105 first
class wickets. The doors didn’t open during the West Indies series but this
time around it did open to welcome this hard working man.
The selectors have kept their faith upon Shahriar Nafees and
also it’s good to see the composed Jahurul Islam in the team. But shockingly,
my eyes couldn’t find the name Marshall Ayub who has been the most prolific run
scorer in the last domestic season. Ideally, for the brittle Bangladeshi middle-order, Marshall
would’ve been a perfect choice. The boy has enough patience and his appetite to
notch up big scores is the factor which teams like Bangladesh need more in Test cricket. Rather than persisting with
Naeem Islam, the selection of Marshall would’ve been more encouraging. But traditionally,
with the subcontinental selectors there will always be a surprising element which
will never be understood. Akram Khan and
co simply carried on that legacy.
To fill a Shakib’s
void is not an easy task. The selectors have included the young all-rounder Mominul
Haque who showed enough promise in last year’s ODI series against West Indies. But
since then, he has been quiet. Not sure whether this young boy will feature in
the first XI or not but he has enough talent.
As usual, the pace bowling section remains a big worry. With
Mashrafe Mortaza still not fit enough for 5-day cricket and Shafiul Islam not
around the corner, the pace bowling’s responsibility hugely depends on a rather
erratic Rubel Hossain. There are names like Shahadat Hossain, Abul Hossain and
Robiul Islam but none of them are better performers. In that case, the Tigers
must focus on utilizing their strength to its maximum level. Bangladesh’s main
strength is spin bowling. So, rather than brooding on and over the weak pace
bowling, Mushfiq and Jurgensen must focus on our spinners.
There’s no Shakib, pace bowling is weak, fragile middle-order
but in my opinion; an ideal Test XI can be surfaced if the right players are
chosen to play in the right places. There might be a plan to pick either
Jahurul or Anamul Haque Bijoy to open with Tamim Iqbal. But I think, Nafees
should open with Tamim with Anamul to come in at number 3 while Jahurul coming
in at number 4 and not Naeem Islam. I wish to see Mahmudullah batting higher up
the order. With no Shakib around to bat at number 5, Mahmudullah, should fit the number 5 slot.
Mushfiq, Nasir and Sohag Gazi will come to bat at number 6, 7 and 8
respectively.
Enamul Haque junior should be an automatic selection. And I
would go with two pace bowlers. Abul Hasan and Rubel Hossain are my picks.
Sadly, Mominul will not feature in my team as I prefer to cash on the
consistent, tried and tested performers.
My Test XI against
Sri Lanka: 1. Tamim Iqbal 2. Shahriar Nafees 3. Anamul Haque 4. Jahurul
Islam 5. Mahmudullah Riyadh 6. Mushfiqur Rahim 7. Nasir Hossain 8. Sohag Gazi
9. Abul Hossain 10. Enamul Haque Jnr 11. Rubel Hossain.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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