The challenge for Bangladesh would be to maintain the winning momentum

A much needed victory, but just winning one match might not be enough for the Tigers………

 A few days ago, the President of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) threw a bombshell in front of the local press by stating, some of the senior players in the current Bangladesh cricket team are reluctant to play Test cricket. To be more specific, Mr. President mentioned the names of Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman. For a moment, the statement of BCB boss took the reporters by surprise and when they conveyed the message to the whole nation, the ardent followers of Bangladesh were taken aback.

Definitely, in a democratic world, each and every person is entitled to choose what he wishes, but above all, there remains something called conscience, which at times works as a tonic to show individuals the right path. Perhaps, Shakib and Mustafiz forgot, they are valued only because they represent a Test nation and it is Test cricket, which has made Shakib the best and can make Mustafiz the best also.

Nazmul Hassan’s statement did nothing but added more fuel to the dismal show in the Test series against West Indies. Bangladesh were battered from top to bottom by the hosts and their spineless display put a big question mark over the dedication and temperament of some of the senior players. Obviously, a team can lose, but losing a match without exhibiting any sort of fight back, is not only annoying to watch, but at the same time, sows the seeds of doubt in the minds of many.

Just when the doubts about the abilities of Bangladesh cricketers started to cast a spell in the minds and hearts of fans and critics, in Guyana, the Tigers got their acts together to essay an important victory, which for the moment has blown away the polluted air from Bangladesh cricket’s fraternity.

Jason Holder stated at the toss, he was not unhappy to lose as the track, which gave evidence of dampness early on, would subside as the match progresses. Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan consolidated the innings and they were in a grafting-mood, which should have been given the acceleration in the middle and last ten overs.

At that moment, the track looked good enough to bat on and going after the attack was the ideal way to go. Bangladesh looked to end up somewhere near 250 – a score, which was not enough to challenge the power-hitters of West Indies. But it was Mushfiqur Rahim, who stepped up to script the perfect knock to convey the message, that’s the way how could be done on this track.

It was up to the Bangladeshi bowlers to cash in and apart from Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mosaddek Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the rest leaked more than four runs an over. Shakib and Rubel Hossain struggled with their lengths, while Mustafiz, tough returned well at the end, also struggled to maintain the line. It was Mashrafe, who took the responsibility to exploit the lackluster attitude of West Indian batters.

The West Indian batsmen never really got going and kept on losing wickets. It was on the same track where Jason Mohammad smashed the Pakistani attack in first ODI to chase down 309 runs and in the third ODI Pakistan won the ODI series by chasing. But yesterday, West Indies batting was like a ship without a rudder. If I have to judge neutrally, Bangladesh’s victory could be attributed to some reluctant batting display by West Indian top and middle order.

But Bangladesh would take this win to boost their confidence, which was absent during the Test series.  This victory has helped to overshadow the doubts regrading Bangla Boys. But those doubts about the Tigers might crop up again, if they fail to maintain the momentum gained through this victory. As because, success has many fathers, failure have none. The critics and fans are always unforgiving.

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 23/07/2018 The challenge for Bangladesh would be to maintain the winning momentum

Thank You

Faisal Caesar