A Test of Tactics: Bangladesh’s Pace Conundrum in Chittagong

The third day of the Test in Chittagong began under the threat of rain, but the afternoon sun emerged to offer the crowd a chance to savour the nuances of red-ball cricket. Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, however, approached the day with a questionable strategy, opting to begin with spinners at both ends. The rationale seemed rooted in patience—delaying the use of the new ball and allowing the spinners to extract whatever assistance they could. Yet, this passive approach raised questions about his intent and the underutilization of Mustafizur Rahman, a bowler who thrives in situations demanding aggression. 

Misreading the Morning Conditions

Conventionally, a captain initiates the day’s play with a pace bowler for several reasons. The damp morning conditions often offer assistance to seamers, and starting with pace conveys an attacking mindset. Moreover, a pacer like Mustafizur can create pressure early, unsettling batters with probing lines and lengths. Instead, Mushfiq delayed Mustafizur’s introduction, awaiting the new ball. By the time it was taken, 15 overs into the day, any opportunity to capitalize on early moisture had waned. 

This misstep mirrored a broader misreading of the Chittagong pitch. Unlike Mirpur, where the surface aids spinners as the game progresses, the Chittagong wicket remained steadfast even after three days. It demanded disciplined, consistent bowling rather than reliance on extravagant turn. Nathan Lyon’s masterclass in the first innings—a clinic of control and accuracy—was a stark contrast to the Bangladesh spinners, who strayed in line and length, leaking runs and bowling only three maidens in 70 overs. 

The Underappreciated Role of Pace

The pitch, often misunderstood, was not inhospitable to pacers. Pat Cummins’ fiery opening spell on Day 1 proved how effective an attacking pacer could be. Bowling with venom and precision, Cummins unsettled Tamim Iqbal and the top order, setting the stage for Lyon to exploit the middle and lower order. His brief absence due to injury offered Bangladesh a lifeline, allowing the hosts to recover from 117 for 5 to post a respectable 305. 

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur showcased a similar promise when finally brought into the attack with the new ball. His intensity was evident as he bent his back to extract bounce and movement, unsettling Australia’s batters. David Warner, well-set on another masterful knock, was undone by a perfectly directed bouncer that cramped him for room, while Matthew Wade fell prey to Mustafizur’s guile and variation. The “Fizz” was alive, embodying the attacking potential of Bangladesh’s pace arsenal. 

A Fading Legacy of Pace

This match underscored a worrying trend: Bangladesh’s waning faith in their pacers. Under Heath Streak’s guidance, Bangladesh developed a pace-oriented approach that complemented their spin strength. The likes of Mustafizur and Taskin Ahmed were nurtured to spearhead the attack, with one pacer controlling runs and the other hunting for wickets. This philosophy yielded success, notably against South Africa in Chittagong in 2015, where Mohammad Shahid’s relentless accuracy and Mustafizur’s incisive spells dismantled the Proteas. 

However, since Streak’s departure, this legacy has eroded. Courtney Walsh, tasked with continuing this progress, has yet to instil the same belief in the pacers. Mushfiq’s decisions in Chittagong—leaving Taskin out and underutilizing Mustafizur—reflect a regression toward spin dependency, a strategy unlikely to succeed consistently, particularly overseas. 

The Importance of Balance

A balanced attack is indispensable for long-term success in Test cricket. Over-reliance on spin not only limits tactical flexibility but also neglects the development of an essential skill set. Taskin’s exclusion was a glaring oversight. His raw pace, combined with Mustafizur’s variations, could have added depth to Bangladesh’s attack, particularly on a track where discipline and aggression, rather than spin, were key. 

The inclusion of Nasir Hossain as a spinner further muddled the strategy. If Nasir was to serve as a part-time bowler, why field three specialist spinners alongside him? Such decisions undermine the team’s balance and dilute its potency. 

Looking Ahead

Bangladesh must address this crisis of confidence in their pacers. To compete and excel abroad, the development of a competent, attacking pace unit is non-negotiable. Bowlers like Mustafizur and Taskin are invaluable assets, capable of delivering breakthroughs on any surface. Ignoring their potential not only hampers immediate success but also stifles the evolution of Bangladesh cricket. 

The lessons from Chittagong are clear: faith in pace is not a gamble but a necessity. The think tank must revisit their approach, recognizing that a vibrant pace attack offers the X-factor needed to conquer the challenges of Test cricket. For the Tigers to roar louder on the global stage, they must embrace the bite of their pace bowlers. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar