Adversity has always motivated Bangladesh

History suggests that whenever adversity has shown its ugly face it has made the Bangladesh cricket team united and immensely motivated to give their best shot.

In 2008, the controversial Indian Premiere League devastated our cricket as many of the country's stalwarts flew to play there, thus leaving our cricket in tatters. But our boys replied with a fighting performance in the series against New Zealand. In 2009, in the middle of the first Test against West Indies, captain Mashrafe Mortaza injured himself, but the Tigers gelled together to beat West Indies on their home ground and claimed a historic Test and ODI series win. In 2010, during the first ODI against New Zealand, Mortaza injured himself but Bangladesh notched up a whitewash against a potent New Zealand attack.

Last year, before the Asia Cup, an unhealthy tussle took place between chief selector Akram Khan and then BCB boss Mustafa Kamal, regarding Tamim Iqbal's omission from the squad. The team was totally out of focus but ended up as runners-up. In the same year, before the series against West Indies, head coach Richard Pybus suddenly resigned from his job. Still, the boys were the winners in the ODI series.

Bangladesh flew to Sri Lanka without many of their key players. Shakib Al Hasan was declared unfit as he was suffering from 'compartment syndrome' and needed urgent surgery. The BCB announced the team without him. Further misfortune overshadowed Bangladesh's preparations as key members like Shahriar Nafees, Naeem Islam and Enamul Haque Jr. injured themselves during a practice session.

At Galle, Sri Lanka's most happy hunting ground, the host batsmen were on song on a placid track. Bangladesh's exhibition was as usual quite shoddy on the field. Sri Lanka posted a mammoth 570 for 4 and everyone expected a Bangladeshi follow-on. But to the surprise of all, the Tigers put up a commanding performance and even took a lead in the first innings. They made the Sri Lankan bowlers grind under the hot sun.

Three centuries were scored in the Bangladeshi innings. Mohammad Ashraful, a late inclusion in the squad, justified his talent with one of the most composed hundreds of his career. Some of the shots he played were a purist's delight. It was a stand-out performance by a man whose cricketing career was almost over. This innings has been a life-saver for this team.

Mushfiqur Rahim displayed his class with a Bangladesh's first double-century. Sandwiched between these two colossal knocks was Nasir Hussain's maiden century, while 21-year old Mominul Haque's stroke-filled 55 caught everyone's attention. With fluid wrists, astute footwork and pristine timing, Mominul hinted at big promise for the future.

Bangladesh drew the first Test and that too in a dominating fashion against their most fearsome opposition Sri Lanka. Without the main players such performance is certainly praiseworthy. Surely, adversity has motivated the boys to script history.

Bangladesh has embarked on a new era. Rather than losing their batting temperament - no matter how flat the track is - with the sight of a big total, the boys maintained their composure and patience excellently. In the past, in Test cricket, rush of blood had destroyed many promising innings to invite havocs. But this time around, the adrenaline outflow was controlled and occupation at the crease became the only motto. A new attitude and a good one indeed.

This excellent show must not fade away in Colombo where the second Test match will be played. Previously, one good display had always been overshadowed by a string of pathetic performances. Bangladesh's biggest enemy is their inconsistency. Rather than basking in the Galle Test's glory, the team must work harder so that this wonderful rhythm doesn't get lost.

Note: This article has been published today in cricketnext.com http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/faisalcaesar/3379/64397/adversity-has-always-motivated-bangladesh.html

Thank You

Faisal Caesar