The term ‘new Bangladesh’ is creating a lot of noise around
the country and to an extent, around the cricketing globe as well. It was not
long ago that the Tigers were tagged as the whipping boys of world cricket and
more often, their existence in world cricket was questioned by the cricket
pundits. Be it in Test cricket or one-day cricket, the Bangladesh cricket team
had been a subject of troll in the social media.
The Tigers’ such a sorry state was a matter of fun for the
others, but it was hard for the local fans to digest such sort of trolls . But,
over the last eight months, the picture of Bangladesh cricket is something different.
Till now, it has been a matter of huge interest to the international audience,
critics and ardent followers of the game.
Two days back, at Chittagong, they clinched a stunning
one-day international series win against one of the best teams of the format
and the manner they notched up the victory was ruthless and dominating one.
In the past, the contest between Bangladesh and South Africa
hardly generated interest among the cricket followers and it was always dubbed
as a jolly-bash for the Proteas and misery for the Tigers. Losing the match in
the most disgraceful manner was a well-known story and even this year, the
results in Twenty20 series and first ODI hinted the same as well.
Change in fortunes
In the second and third ODI, the Tigers essayed one of the
most epic comebacks ever in the history of Bangladesh cricket. Only once they
bounced back to win the ODI series and that was against Zimbabwe way back in
2005 and against the top teams, Bangladesh were always found wanting whenever
they lost the first match of the series. Their temperament against the
teams had always been questioned and for which after the back-to-back
defeats in Twenty20 matches and first ODI, very few were optimistic about the
turnaround of the Tigers.
But Bangladesh didn’t lose their way, despite losing matches
against South Africa earlier. They clawed back with a roar and gifted their
fans one of the finest Eid gifts ever. Bangladesh have won four back-to-back
ODI series at home and it’s not a matter of joke at all. This is a new
Bangladesh.
So what’s all about this concept of new Bangladesh?
Certainly, it has not come about as an isolated phenomenon. Perhaps, the injection of new talents have
given Bangladesh a new dimension and made everyone believe that the present
Bangladesh team plays with a new confidence and vigor.
Exciting talents coming through
The inclusion of exciting talents like Soumya Sarkar, Litton
Das and Mustafizur Rahman has been vital to this concept of new Bangladesh.
Soumya’s handling of the short-pitch stuff with his trademark periscope shot,
Litton’s courage to play the hook shot and Mustafiz’s boldness to test the very
best with his nagging length and devastating cutters has been the symbol of a
confident and fearless Bangladesh team.
These young talents have played a major role in transforming
Bangladesh into a complete package. The confidence of these exciting talents
has been contagious in the team and it has helped the senior members of the
team to give their best shot as well.
But this is just one part of the story. Without a healthy
environment, it would never have been possible for these talents to flourish.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board, head coach Hathurusingha, bowling coach Heath
Streak, captain Mashrafe Mortaza and other senior members of the team have been
equally responsible for creating the perfect environment for these talents to
express themselves.
Yes, it’s a new Bangladesh which has learned to aim higher
and are hungry for success. In the limited-overs format, they are a fearsome contender at present, but this new
Bangladesh must not lose its way in the long run.
Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on
17/07/2015 The new-look Bangladesh
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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