Bangladesh Cricket: Constructive Steps need to be Fulfilled by BCB

Bangladesh endured their second consecutive crushing defeat, with the first Test extending to the final day and the second succumbing within just two and a half days. On the third day, the visitors capitulated meekly, failing to last long on a pitch that was flat and highly conducive to batting. In both matches, the track remained largely unremarkable, but Bangladesh's batting and bowling exhibited fundamental flaws. Technically and temperamentally, the team appeared disjointed, leaving little to critique other than their own deficiencies—both in their application at the crease and in their inability to adapt to conditions that did not favor the opposition.

South Africa’s bowling attack, though not at full strength, did not present any particularly menacing challenges. The first Test saw them lacking firepower, while in the second, they operated with a depleted unit. Despite the absence of blistering pace or consistent short-pitched tactics to exploit the ribcage area, Bangladesh’s top and middle orders crumbled under relatively straightforward conditions. South African pacers, without delivering deceptive pace or attacking relentlessly, still found significant success.

Kagiso Rabada, in his post-day-two press conference, pointedly remarked, "About the Bangladeshi batsmen, I don’t know what happened. We just stuck to our plan and at the end of the day they got themselves out." This candid statement highlighted the stark lack of application and resolve among the Bangladeshi batsmen, underscoring a worrying pattern of self-destruction rather than any significant challenge posed by the opposition.

In a devastating collapse, Bangladesh was dismissed for 172 on the third day, following their meager total of 147 in the first innings. This marked their heaviest defeat to South Africa in Test cricket. It is imperative, however, not to hastily dismiss this result as an anomaly. There are critical lessons to be learned, both in technique and temperament, if the team is to rise from this setback and avoid further humiliation in the future.

 

Rethink about Mushfiqur Rahim’s Captaincy

This is not the first instance where Mushfiqur Rahim’s cautious approach has undermined Bangladesh's progress. While his defensive mindset has occasionally served the team, his emotional outbursts—often erratic and ill-timed—have become a source of ridicule in the global cricketing community. A Test captain must be a figure of authority, possessing not only a strong personality but also an innate sense of confidence and a proactive, attacking mindset. Unfortunately, despite over a decade of international cricket and five years at the helm of the national side, Mushfiq remains emotionally fragile and overly pragmatic in his leadership.

His ill-advised decision at the toss in the second Test was so baffling that it even left Faf du Plessis, the South African captain, astounded and prompted him to mock Mushfiq's choice. On the field, Mushfiq seemed uncertain, his leadership lacking clarity, and his batting—once seen as a strength—failed to inspire the team. He has yet to demonstrate growth, consistently repeating mistakes without the ability to learn or evolve from them.

It is time for the Bangladesh cricket fraternity to reconsider Mushfiq's role as Test captain. The team requires a leader who is not only resolute and emotionally stable but also bold and attacking in approach. At this juncture, it is clear that Tamim Iqbal might be the more fitting candidate to guide Bangladesh in Test cricket, offering the calm, confident, and decisive leadership that the team so desperately needs.

Imrul Kayes and Soumya Sarkar Need Break

Imrul Kayes repeatedly expressed his desire to open the batting, a wish that was eventually granted during Bangladesh's tour of South Africa. Unfortunately, he was unable to capitalize on this opportunity. His dismissals were disappointing, marked by soft shots that reflected a lack of mental fortitude. On the other hand, Soumya Sarkar, a player I had placed considerable faith in, proved to be a greater frustration. I had hoped he would address the technical shortcomings that had previously plagued him, but instead, he continued to fall victim to basic errors. His inability to manage an angled bat outside the off stump against pace bowlers—something that should be second nature at this level—raises serious concerns. If Soumya cannot rectify these fundamental flaws, it might be time for him to step away from Test cricket for a while, to reassess and refine his game. Similarly, Kayes also needs a break to rediscover his form and confidence.

With both of these players struggling, Bangladesh now faces the pressing challenge of identifying a reliable opening partner for Tamim Iqbal in Test cricket. While some local sports journalists and fans have persistently called for the return of Shahriar Nafees, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) should resist such short-sighted clamouring. Instead, they should look to the future, focusing on the promising talent emerging from the Under-19 team, which performed admirably last year. Additionally, several young players have been making waves in domestic cricket, showing potential that cannot be ignored. Batsmen like Saif Hasan, Yasir Ali, Zakir Hasan, and others are demonstrating the kind of skill and consistency that could make them worthy candidates for the opening position alongside Tamim. It's time for the BCB to place their trust in these emerging talents, who can make a lasting impact on the national team.

Is the Batting Coach Good Enough?

 The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the previous batting coach, Thilan Samaraweera, ultimately opting not to extend his contract. However, the replacement they appointed has not demonstrated any superior credentials. His first-class career was modest at best, and his exposure to international cricket was minimal. Furthermore, his previous stint as a batting consultant yielded little in terms of measurable success. To make matters more perplexing, Akram Khan, one of the key figures within the BCB, revealed that the new coach was appointed to focus on the lower middle and lower-order batsmen—a statement that raised eyebrows, given the need for a comprehensive approach to the entire batting lineup.

Since Mark O'Neil took over as batting coach, it appears that Bangladesh's ability to perform in five-day matches has diminished. While the team showed resilience and character in New Zealand and against some of the world's best bowling attacks, and even exhibited strong temperament against Rangana Herath in Colombo, their performances at home against Australia and in South Africa were riddled with uncharacteristic errors. The top and middle order made elementary mistakes, reflecting a lack of mental and technical preparation. It seems that Mark O'Neil has not been able to maintain the progress achieved under Thilan Samaraweera’s tenure. Despite the potential for improvement, O'Neil has struggled to make a significant impact on Bangladesh's batting.

Given the underwhelming results, it is unlikely that the BCB should consider extending O'Neil’s contract. What Bangladesh urgently needs is a competent and experienced batting coach who can instill discipline, refine technique, and help the team consistently perform at the highest level. Without a capable leader in this role, the team’s batting woes are unlikely to be resolved.

Courtney Walsh has not been Impactful like Heath Streak

 The appointment of Heath Streak as Bangladesh’s bowling coach had a transformative effect, particularly on the pace bowlers, who began to bowl with a level of menace and intensity previously unseen. Under Streak, the bowlers embraced aggression and intent, setting a new benchmark for Bangladesh's bowling attack. However, following Streak's departure last year, the BCB brought in the legendary Courtney Walsh, a move that raised expectations among both fans and analysts alike. Yet, despite his vast experience, Walsh’s tenure has seen the pace attack lose some of its earlier vibrancy.

While Bangladesh's bowlers occasionally produce good spells, they no longer exhibit the same consistent aggression or intent that marked their time under Streak. This shift in approach is concerning for the BCB, as Walsh has been in charge for over a year, and by now, one would have expected a more tangible impact. The lack of sustained improvement under Walsh has left many, myself included, longing for the era of Streak’s leadership.

If Walsh is unable to deliver the results expected of him, the BCB must seriously consider whether continuing with his services is in the best interest of the team. Bangladesh needs a bowling coach who can inspire the same level of intensity and consistency that the team once displayed.

This Test series offers an opportunity for Bangladesh to reflect on its shortcomings and correct its mistakes. While this defeat should not spell the end of their aspirations, failing to address these issues could prove disastrous in the long run. Therefore, it is imperative that the BCB takes decisive and informed action to rectify the current course, ensuring that lessons are learned and the team can move forward with renewed purpose.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar