Harare win has given Bangladesh a reason to smile

As soon as the match ended, I stepped out to have a cup of tea at a stall near my house. I noticed two middle-aged men hugging each other in joy, their eyes all wet. I asked them why they were crying. One of them, a rickshaw-puller by profession, answered that it had been their expression of joy due to Bangladesh's Test victory at Harare on Monday.

There were other rickshaw-pullers sitting in that tea stall whose eyes were moist. For them, this victory meant a lot. It will act as a tonic for them amid the critical situation which Bangladesh as a nation is in at present. The expressions of these daily laborers are the same for all Bangladeshis.

Sport's ability to uplift the spirit can never be underestimated. Its ability to make a nation wake up from periods of depression is always critical. These expressions were desperately needed in Bangladesh. These were the expression which Bangladesh badly needed after last week's horrifying Savar tragedy.

The nation still hadn't recovered from a shoddy defeat to Zimbabwe in the first Test when it suffered another hefty blow when in Savar an eight-storeyed building suddenly collapsed to give rise to one of the most tragic incidents since the fire tragedy at Nimtali in 2010. Almost 400 people died while more than 2000 have been reported injured. The atmosphere in Bangladesh turned heavy by the corpses and the weeping of the affected families. One can only notice unhappy souls in every corner of Bangladesh. The country needed a reason to smile.

The Tigers are closely related to the heart and soul of each and every Bangladesh citizen. While the politicians continue to frustrate them, it is their favorite sons who bring them moments to cherish. When Bangladesh had flown to Zimbabwe after a successful tour of Sri Lanka, the mood of the fans was cheerfully confident. For the first time, a very confident Bangladesh unit was traveling to Zimbabwe and it was expected that the Tigers would not only break the Harare jinx but will also win the series in style.

But reality is very harsh. What the fans witnessed in the first Test was a shocking picture. Brendan Taylor unleashed a patient and responsible presence at the crease to uplift his team's dying spirits while the Bangladeshi batsmen scripted one of the gloomiest batting displays to leave the fans and critics speechless. Neither was there any resolve nor any sign of responsibility that could do justice to their recent show in Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe thrashed Bangladesh by a heavy 335 runs to lift themselves in Bangladesh's stature.

In the second Test, Zimbabwe were seeking a rare series win while Bangladesh were trying to find their feet on the ground on which their feet had slipped. After being sent in to bat, the Tigers didn't have a great start. That same old craziness visited again as wickets were gifted cheaply. A moment of resolve was needed and Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim rose to the occasion with a solid 100-run stand on which rookie Nasir Hossain capitalized with his carefree aggression.

 These three musketeers delivered the goods again in the second innings when Bangladesh were in the soup due to some mind-boggling umpiring. One witnessed a determined Bangladeshi unit - a lot more responsible than the previous Test - in the second match. If they were down and dusted in the first Test then they bounced back to level the series with a commanding effort. As usual, adversity had motivated the team.

Bangladeshis at present are sad and gloomy due to the horrendous Savar tragedy. For the last six days or so, they have almost forgotten to smile. An ugly depression has devoured the nation. On a serious note, the people needed a boost to know what it was to smile again. This victory was much needed for Bangladesh and its people.

Note: This article has been published in cricketnext.com on 30/04/2013 Harare has given Bangladesh a reason to smile

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Brendan Taylor – Zimbabwe’s Iron Man in Harare

Really I am upset. I never expected such a shocking performance by the Bangladeshi boys. It was just a bolt from the blue for me as I was not prepared for such sort of back boneless performance from a team which had been decent enough in Sri Lanka with a new attitude in all the three formats, especially the batsmen who showed the courage to face any mammoth tasks. But they just poured water on each and every respect earned in Sri Lanka by exhibiting one of the most horrifying batting displays in Bangladesh’s recent times.

After a productive tour of Sri Lanka, it should have been the Tigers in total command but we were left praising a spirited Zimbabwe. We were left clapping for one man’s sheer determination and class. It was this man who took the responsibility of his team with a brave heart and a tough mind. It was this man who had always been Bangladesh’s thorn in the throat.

I am talking about the blond-haired Zimbabwean captain Brendan Taylor. In this world of cricket, full of glittering stars, there are stars whose brightness remain unnoticed as they don’t have a big media, the appropriate facilities or madness in their country to attract the critics or cricket fans. They shine alongside the modern day wonders of cricket but sadly they always remain hidden and unrecognized.

Many of these stars represent the lower ranked teams. For you, they are never your cricketing discussions. You just don’t even think about them automatically when the discussions about great stars take a place. Kallis, AB de Villiers, Michael Clarke, Graeme Smith, Kumar Sangakkara etc. These names are just your tongue twisters.

What about Brendan Taylor? Well, a pretty boring name, right? Boring indeed! As he’s not an IPL franchise’s hot cake - though below average stuffs of the IPL do get enough importance in your book - he’s not a model of TV commercials, he’s not any of the sponsors’ sunny boys or he doesn’t have any ‘Maasala’ stories with a super model. He’s just not your brand!

But doesn’t this man deserve this? Doesn’t the man deserve your attention?

Yes, this man deserves your attention as well. Taylor deserves more opportunities.

Taylor might not to attract the modern day fans but like a Michael Clarke or Kumar Sangakkara he is blessed with enough X-factors, character and yes, he’s a brave leader. Time and again he did prove his worth with bold performances.

The Zimbabwean openers found it tough in the first morning of the first day of the Harare Test match. They were shown the way for the pavilions early by Rubel and Robiul. The situation was a tricky one and it required a resolute approach rather than a drastic one. And such resolution amalgamated with utmost responsibility must come from the leader.

Brendan Taylor stepped in, remained cool and composed and with immense patience he won the periods of attrition. As scoring runs were difficult, Taylor checked his free-flowing nature and depended on maneuvering the strike - a ploy which the Bangladeshi batsmen failed to display. After a defiant stand with Malcolm Waller, Taylor marshalled the Zimbabwean tail intelligently and chipped in with critical partnerships which dented the Bangladesh’s confidence. A composed knock of 171 was scripted.

In the second innings, Taylor switched gears and was more attacking as the lead grew and for which it had been a hundred with more urgency.  Robiul Islam was blazing all cylinders with the ball which the Zimbabwean batsmen found tough to encounter but Robiul just couldn’t deter Taylor from his mission. He remained not out with another ton and thus he became the first Zimbabwean captain and third batsman from the country to score a hundred in both the innings. Also, he’s the 12^th captain to score twin tons. His match total of 273 runs has been just 8 runs short of Bangladesh team’s match total of 283.  

After a horrible tour of West Indies, Zimbabwe needed a spirited performance to regain their confidence and Taylor’s polished twin tons had been the perfect tonic to gel the Zimbabwean unit. He had been the leader which Zimbabwe needed the most in Harare. He had taught Mushfiq and co how to be responsible. He had been Zimbabwe’s Iron Man in Harare.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh like us can blow hot and cold: Kyle Jarvis

…….And I have taken the interview of an international cricketer. It's Zimbabwe's Kyle Jarvis who has given an exclusive interview to me. It's one of the landmarks in my career as a cricket writer. Am I becoming a journalist? Lol…..I am a doctor by profession and cricket writing is just a passion. It's always tough to main both. But everything is possible if you are hard-working and honest.

FC: What motivated you to get into cricket?

KJ: Growing up. I was always around cricket and cricketers as my dad was always involved in the Zimbabwe set up.

FC: How influential has been your father in building up your career?

KJ: My father has always been the one pushing me and giving me the drive to become who I am today.

FC: Your action is quite similar to Glenn McGrath. Is McGrath your role model?

KJ: .I grew up watching the Aussies dominate the world cricket. Glenn and Brett Lee have always been role models of mine.

FC: What’s the secret behind the brilliant control over your bowling?

KJ: A few years ago I was only about all out pace but I lacked control, I think I have found a happy medium of control, pace and swing..... Nothing helps more than many tough hours in the nets.

FC: Which is your favorite wicket in Test cricket till now?

KJ: Shiv Chanderpaul.

FC: Do you think that there is a lack of fast and swing bowlers in modern day cricket?

KJ: There are still class bowlers around still swinging it, Dale Steyn and James Anderson are two of the best.

FC: Are the current rules, too many flat tracks and too much of T20 cricket hampering the growth of genuine fast bowlers?

KJ: To an extent yes, but still there are class bowlers in the international circuit... Bowlers can't just be fast anymore, you need to have at least 2 different slower balls as well as a good yorker and a bouncer.

FC: How do you rate Bangladesh as a cricket team?

KJ: Bangladesh like us can blow hot and cold. I feel at home we will have the advantage... But they have good players in Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim...

FC: What are your thoughts regarding the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh?

KJ: Extremely important series for us as we did not do ourselves proud in the West Indies and we know how good we can be!

FC: Have you targeted any batsman from Bangladesh?

KJ: I’m targeting all their batsmen.

FC: Tell us about your team’s preparation regarding the series against Bangladesh?

KJ: We have had a few hiccups in the preparation regarding a few players not being offered contracts but that has all been rectified and the guys’ minds are fully ready for the job at hand.

FC: You are a brilliant bowler and there are many hidden talents I guess in Zimbabwe like you? Don’t you think you guys deserve enough exposure at the highest level?

KJ: We definitely need more international cricket, we had one test match in 2012, no team can grow with such a little exposure. The talent is definitely here.

FC: Have you received any offers from County cricket?

KJ: One county has shown interest in me, it is definitely something that I would like to do is a season of county cricket and I'm sure I will soon.

FC: Now tell us something about your personal life…..

KJ: .I love the outdoors and doing anything active.

FC: Thank you so much Kyle for talking with cricketsoccer. Do you have any message for the readers of cricket soccer?

KJ: It’s been a pleasure and thank you for the continuous support. Never stop pushing to be the best!

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh should conquer Zimbabwe

The cricketing world is busy with the cash-rich show named the Indian Premier League. Its glamorous razzmatazz is so bright that it's quite impossible to pay attention towards other cricketing events. Amid this pomp and grandeur of IPL 6, Test cricket will halt its caravan in Zimbabwe where the two most low-key teams in world cricket, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, will clash in a two-match series starting April 17.

As a matter of fact, the Test battle between these two nations hasn't yet essayed any epic clashes. So far they had been heavily one-sided affairs and thus, other than the home teams' followers, their clash hardly attracts the cricket fans.

For Bangladeshi supporters, the tour of Zimbabwe tour bears enough importance. The 130-run humiliation at the hands of a naive Zimbabwe unit two years back still hurts. Back in 2011, Zimbabwe had just returned to Test cricket after a six-year gap and a pretty inexperienced side toppled an experienced Bangladesh unit with skill and merit. It was an absolute shocker. That story must not be repeated again this time around.

Since that Harare defeat in 2011, the Bangladesh cricket team has improved by leaps and bounds. It's a team which is more resourceful and resilient in fight, less prone to intimidation, full of self-confidence and assurance. In the recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh had shown enough character to make the home team sweat even without the services of the major players which indicate that the Tigers are spirited and confident to give their best shot. In contrast, Zimbabwe's spirit since 2011 seems down and so far, in the series they have played, they have been outclassed comprehensively. So, Bangladesh do have the upper hand over their opponent.

Zimbabwe has never been a happy hunting ground for Bangladesh. Either the stiff bounce or some majestic individual efforts have always dented our hopes. In the past, the bounce of the Harare track had always posed a threat for our batsmen. This time around, Kyle Jarvis is the man who will ask questions of the batsmen with his incisiveness. In fact, Jarvis was instrumental in scripting Zimbabwe's epic win over Bangladesh two years back.

Over the past few years, Zimbabwe cricket might not have shone brightly but Jarvis exhibited his skills with authority and has improved a lot. In that case, the Bangladesh batsmen must be very solid in their defence and foot work. Shane Jurgensen and Mushfiqur Rahim must study Jarvis thoroughly. Again, the likes of Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza cannot be taken lightly.

Since that win two years ago, the Zimbabweans have not unleashed any spirited performances but still they can't be taken lightly as in their own den they are a different kettle of fish, especially against Bangladesh,

Basking in the past glories won't fetch anything if the same fate regarding the Zimbabwe tour repeats again. In terms of experience and confidence, Bangladesh are way ahead of Zimbabwe and it is expected that our spinners will make the Zimbabwean batsmen suffer.The batting is sure to be boosted by the return of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Shahriar Nafees while the Enamul Haque Jr has given the bowling attack enough strength.

But these assets must strike gold and the team should conquer Zimbabwe this time around. For the Bangladeshis, a defeat against Zimbabwe is as painful as an Australian feels after losing to England in the Ashes.

Note: This article has been published on April 12, 2013 in cricketnext.com Bangladesh should conquer Zimbabwe 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Kyle Jarvis - A precious ornament

There was a time when Zimbabwe gifted the world cricket enough charm – the flavour of a giant-killer. Their team had the dash and killer instincts to make the toughest opposition run for their money. Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Heath Streak, David Houghton, Alastair Campbell and co were by no means top quality performers in world cricket and time and again they unleashed super-class exhibitions to trigger standing ovations. They certainly were a team to be afraid of.

But in the course of time, their cricketing future had been overshadowed by political whims which has switched off the light of hope and scripted darkness to devour Zimbabwe cricket’s bright future. The Zimbabwe side of today is just a shadow of the glorious past. For six years they were out of Test cricket and when they did return to Test cricket with a bang against the Tigers, still they are too shaky to cope with a competitive world which has gone miles ahead.

The current Zimbabwe side doesn’t boost with the charismatic talents of the past but when you watch the 22-year old Kyle Jarvis run and bowl, your hopes do rise again regarding Zimbabwe’s cricket future. Jarvis since his Test debut against the Tigers have been an impressive package to quench the thirst of those cricket romanticists who relish witnessing a pace bowler in full-throttle with a smooth action. With a McGrath like action, Jarvis is blessed with a rhythm and astute control over his bowling. Most of the times Jarvis pitches the ball in and around the corridor of uncertainty and hits the good length area more often and then jags the ball back in or moves it away from the batsmen.

His guile had not been limited only against Bangladesh but the Kiwis and West Indies too felt the nagging and incisiveness of Jarvis. Again, in an era, when swing bowling seems to have found a new home in the museum, Jarvis seems to be rekindling the lost art of swing bowling. He can use his wrists very well to extract movement from any sort of surface and his ability to use the bowling crease at will definitely ranks him as a top-notcher. Not only against the right-handed batters, but against the left-handers, Jarvis is equally equipped to outfox them with his tenacious deliveries.

Kyle Jarvis is the son of the former Zimbabwean cricketer Malcom Jarvis. The cricketing world first witnessed Jarvis’ talent in 2008 during the ICC Under-19 World Cup. He mesmerized the opposition batsmen with his astonishing control and movement. After the appointment of Heath Streak as the bowling coach of Zimbabwe, Jarvis was introduced into the national side in the home series against Kenya in 2009 and then after exhibiting his guile against the Kenyans, Jarvis was equally impressive in the subsequent ODI series against Bangladesh and South Africa. Lack of regular international cricket never dented his spirit and skills but with the progression of time Jarvis continued to become better. The Test series against Bangladesh, New Zealand and West Indies have been the perfect examples. 

But sadly, Jarvis represents a side which in most of the times is found traveling through the troubled waters. Petty quarrels and political whims always halt the country’s further progress in cricket. And for which talents like Jarvis gradually get lost the long run. Again, players like Jarvis don’t get an opportunity to show their class in the big stages as the top sides of world cricket hardly play against Zimbabwe.

But do talents like Jarvis deserve this? My answer is NO!

Kyle Jarvis is a precious ornament of world cricket and should be preserved with care. Jarvis deserves adequate opportunities and proper exposure at the highest level so that he can enlighten this planet of cricket with his sizzling abilities. Last year, a brief stint in New Zealand's domestic cricket did help Jarvis a lot, but he deserves more of those opportunities.It’s not only the responsibility of Zimbabwe cricket but also a responsibility of the big-shots of world cricket to provide the efficient platform and adequate opportunities so that he can enrich this glorious game.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Your husband should be your only hero, your wife should be your only princess!

Amongst many, the commonly used tool by black souls to script an extra-marital affair - 'You're a woman. You're unique. Why would you depend on your husband? You should be independent. Start your own life through Internet business.' And many housewives - leaving few, especially in Bangladesh, starts to walk in the wrong path. Stupid ladies! After marriage your husband is your only hero. You work all day in the house to manage the family, you get exhausted and lonely. Yes, at times you get lost. But isn't managing family and children a fun? By inviting a third person in your life for the so called bloody freedom you just start to walk on the wrong track. And dear husbands, try to make the conjugal life more spicy with a shower of love. Have a weekend blast each week so that your princess doesn't feel lonely. And dear ladies, love your husband more and more. And dear husbands, please love your princess more! Be aware of the false people!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Be simple, be a common man and rock silently!

I come across people who always just wish to grab the attention for whatever they do. Many give various knowledgeable – whether knowledgeable enough or not - remarks of high-quality to get counted. Everyone wants to be a hero! Is it really necessary to be a hero? In my opinion, be simple and pretend to be a dumb to let the attention get away from you. It will help you to progress in a carefree manner.  The intention to grab the attention every time and prove yourself a hero is just wasting your energy – it just kills your mental peace and serenity. Just maintain a sub-normal level. Be simple, be a common man and rock silently.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Pace bowling a worry for Bangladesh

Bangladesh cricket boasts some exciting talents - some talented batsmen who possess the ability to strike gold and spinners who are undoubtedly part of the best in the business. But inconsistency undermines their gifted abilities and over the years a lack of quality pace bowlers has dented Bangladesh's chances majorly. Bangladesh just don't have the quality and quantity of pace bowlers able to fully utilize the new ball at will. In short, fast bowling has been a big worry.

In the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, the Bangladeshi batsmen and spinners, as usual, were in superb touch. But our pace bowlers have been horrible. They just didn't offer anything. The bowlers just ran in and bowled with a little sense about line and length. Their flirtation with the front foot was utterly irritating and the consistent production of juicy half-volleys simply puts a question mark over their selection in the Test side. Since Bangladesh's entry into Test cricket, other than Mashrafe Mortaza, this woeful bowling has been a familiar sight and this problem needs a remedy.

In my opinion, one of the most important hurdles in grooming pace bowlers in Bangladesh is the emergence of left-arm spinners as a lethal weapon and our sleepy wickets. With role models like Mohammad Rafique, Shakib Al Hasan, Enamul Haque Jnr and Abdur Razzak around, very few wish to become pace bowlers and even if they do aspire to bowl fast during their teens they cannot, as they get discouraged by the slow, low and flat wickets while playing in first-class matches. Wickets are a very important factor in grooming pace bowlers. The continuous production of dead tracks will never encourage the younger generation to take fast bowling seriously.

Moreover, the initiative to search for fast bowlers by the BCB is not praiseworthy at all. We had a pace bowling hunting program throughout the country almost seven or eight years ago. It might not have dished out exciting talents but not continuing such programs on a regular basis doesn't make any sense. Again, Bangladesh cricket's talent hunting should not stick around some major districts, but spread in the remote areas as well.

Strong physique, standard height and solid temperament are very important to becoming a fast bowler. One can find such qualities in the rural villages of Bangladesh. A few years ago, I visited my native village in Faridpur and witnessed a cricket match on the Komarpur High School Ground. Some of the tall and strong lads grabbed my attention with their run ups, approach towards the bowling crease, jump and rhythm. They had the pace and guile but they simply lacked the basic knowledge about fast bowling. These were farmers and when my father asked whether they wished to become cricketers, their parents denied by stating that cricket would not fetch them money and food.

I have only highlighted one village. I am sure this story is the same in the other rural parts of Bangladesh where talents and passion are getting wasted due to lack of opportunities and proper facilities.

In that case, pace-bowling hunting programs are a must. To pick up those talents, unbiased and special eyes are needed. Again, grooming those raw and unrefined talents should be done in a factory where top class facilities will be available. We have the BKSP here but for the production of fast bowlers Bangladesh need a national fast bowling academy. This academy should be run by fast bowling experts in the mould of Ian Pont, Dennis Lillee, Geoff Thomson, Andy Roberts or Wasim Akram.

I don't think the BCB has any financial drawbacks in establishing such academies and neither does Bangladesh government. The production of quality fast bowlers for better outcomes is an out and out necessary matter for Bangladesh. To pick up 20 wickets in a Test match you need quality in the pace bowling department. Relying only on a Shakib or Sohag Gazi will never bring the best results.

Note: This article has been published in cricketnext.com on April 6, 2013 Pace bowling a worry for Bangladesh

Thank You

Faisal Caesar