Tamim Iqbal shines, while the experienced batsmen spoil good work

“The price of greatness is responsibility”

Winston Churchill

Shakib Al Hasan is out due to a finger injury.

Mushfiqur Rahim ruled out from first Test due to a wrist trouble.

No Mustafizur Rahman in the side as well to lead the inexperienced bowling attack.

Well, the above scenarios are not encouraging at all. But keeping in mind the way Sri Lanka fought in South Africa without some of their key players, the same spirit was expected from Tigers, who have shrugged off the tag of bashing-boys-of-world-cricket long ago. 

“How we are performing in overseas conditions is always a challenge for us. Everyone doubts whether we can win an overseas Test or not," he said. "But I can assure you, as a captain and on players' behalf, we are not thinking on that line. We will take inspiration from the recent past and motivate ourselves. We want to play according to our strengths, the way they [New Zealand] are performing”.

“We know how the conditions are, and we also have ideas about their bowlers. But how we are going to execute our plans depends on us. We know the conditions won't be favourable and there will be swing all around. We need to be mentally strong to perform in such conditions”.

That’s what the stand-in captain of Bangladesh said before the start of first Test at Hamilton. Despite the setbacks, Mahmudullah’s intent was positive and his fellow colleague Tamim Iqbal supported the intent of his captain on a sun-kissed day. His marvelous Test ton should have galvanized the mindset of others, but in reality, it failed to inject inspiration and responsibility.

How dominant Tamim had been during his swashbuckling ton one could get an idea about his onslaught against Trent Boult in thirteenth over of the day.

It was an ideal exhibition of how to disturb the line-and-length of a quality swing bowler. Boult pitched the first ball of the over up at which Tamim punched it through the extra-cover by getting closer to the line of the delivery to diminish whatever movement was available. It had created doubts in the mind of Boult, whose following deliveries either pitched on a leg-stump line or over pitched and Tamim leaked boundaries from those to script a 17-run over.

Neither the cheeky Tim Southee was spared. Even though he bowled with a sharp pace and beat Tamim with some zippers, but the southpaw from Bangladesh responded with a crispy stroke played in front of square. Boundaries came thick and fast from the bat of Tamim and it seemed, Bangladesh were not at all worried by the testing conditions of New Zealand and absence of key players.

It seems that Tamim had slightly changed his technique while facing Boult and Southee. Especially, his bat-swing was quicker than previous matches. It helped him to get counter the movement off the pitch and in the air. He had been the only batsmen who got closer to the line of pace bowlers better than rest of top and middle order batsmen. Of course no need to mention about his authority over back foot stroke-play.

Sadly, rest of the Bangladesh batsmen failed to support the spirited display of Tamim.

Especially, the experienced campaigners.  

 As swing failed to stop the flow of runs, Kane Williamson decided to strike gold by unleashing a barrage of short-pitch kinds of stuff - enters Neil Wagner, who continued to pitch the ball short, targeting the ribcage, at a pace to unsettle the batsmen. It required patience to occupy the crease rather than showing the technique of highest quality. In the history of Test cricket, patience has helped to overcome technical shortcomings on many occasions.

 On Day 1, in the afternoon session, Bangladesh simply failed to remain patient against Wagner’s barrage of short-pitch deliveries. The reason for pointing towards patience of batsmen is that most of the dismissals resulted either due to poor shot election or a lacklustre attitude rather than brilliant bowling.

Mominul Haque tickled one harmless Wagner-short-ball down the legside to wicketkeeper and threw away his wicket. Such a lazy approach is never expected from someone like Mominul, who averages 44.08 from 33 Test matches, while the Bangladesh captain also cannot escape criticism for executing a needless stroke against another benign short-ball from Wagner. 

Obviously, after Tamim, Bangladesh looked forward to Mahmudullah and Mominul, who should have guided the rest to weather the storm. But as soon as Tamim departed, a collapse was inevitable. Courtesy of some irresponsible shot selection from experienced batsmen.

Had the senior batsmen exhibited some resolve under pressure, Bangladesh’s day could have been as bright as the sunshine at Hamilton.    

“Quality is everyone’s responsibility”

W. Edwards Deming

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 28/02/2019 Tamim Iqbal shines, while the experienced batsmen spoil good work

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

শীতের বৃষ্টির স্বাদ না নিয়ে কি পারা যায়?

আজকে সন্ধ্যায় ইচ্ছেমত বৃষ্টিতে ভিজেছি।শীতকাল এখনও পুরোপুরি বিদায় নেয়নি বিধায় এটাকে শীতের বৃষ্টিই বলি, নাকি?  অনেকদিন পর শীতের বৃষ্টিতে ভিজেছি।বৃষ্টিতে ভেজা আমার একটা পাগলামো এবং শীতের বৃষ্টি হলে তো কথাই নেই। শুধু বৃষ্টির প্রতিটি ফোঁটার স্বাদ পেতে মন চায়।

শাহবাগ থেকে হাঁটা শুরু করেছি এবং ধানমণ্ডিতে এসে বৃষ্টির সাথে-সাথে নূপুর ছন্দে বয়ে যাওয়া হাওয়া  এবং মর্মর পাতার আস্ফালন নিয়ে দাঁড়িয়ে থাকা গাছ গুলোর নীচে হেঁটেছি।      

রাস্তা গুলো এমন ছিল, মনে হচ্ছিল এই সন্ধ্যায় ঢাকার একটি অংশ আংশিক ঘুমিয়ে পড়েছে - আমার হাঁটার শব্দ এবং বৃষ্টির টাপুরটুপুর ছাড়া আর কোন শব্দই নেই। হঠাৎ করে আকাশের ফাঁক দিয়ে উঁকি দেওয়া বিদ্যুতের ঝলকানি এবং মেঘের গর্জন জনমানবহীন রাস্তায় একটা রোমাঞ্চকর পরিবেশের সৃষ্টি করছিল।হুম, মেঘের গর্জনকে একটা উপহারই বলা যায়। বৃষ্টিতে মেঘের গর্জন না থাকলে বোঝা যায় না যে আকাশেরও অভিমান আছে।      

 

ধানমণ্ডি ৪ থেকে ৮ নম্বর ব্রিজ তারপর মহিলা কপমপ্লেক্সের রাস্তা হয়ে ৩২ নম্বর ব্রিজ পাড় হয়ে ২৭ নম্বরে এসে কস্তুরি গ্রিল হাউজে গরম, গরম গ্রিলের স্বাদ গ্রন করতে, করতে টের পেলাম হাত এবং শরীর নড়ছে না।

শীতকালের বৃষ্টি শরীর অবশ করে দেয়। এই অনুভূতি ভুলেই গিয়েছিলাম আজকে বহু বছর পর আবার সেটা টের পেলাম।শরীর অবশ হলেও মন ছিল সতেজ। হাজার হলেও শীতের বৃষ্টির স্বাদ পাওয়া গেছে।

ধন্যবাদ 

ফয়সাল সিজার          

Sri Lanka handled the pressure better

Sri Lanka enjoyed out there. Sri Lanka were not afraid. The Islanders did not melt under pressure……

 Pressure! Life is all about handling the pressure well. And in cricket or any other sports, handling the pressure in the best possible way determines who is the best team and player in the world.  Some teams learn to handle the pressure via a specific system, while some inherit it genetically. And some teams like Bangladesh learn to handle it by getting mauled. 

The journey of a cricket team is never so easy. A purple-patch can transform into an ugly lean-patch in no time and the dark clouds overhead just don’t wish to clear soon, but time and again, continue to gift unhappy moments, which not only dent the confidence of the team, but test the patience of fans as well. Ask a Bangladesh cricket fan of how it felt to digest defeats consistently in last decade; they will share some emotional and pathetic memories.  

But such defeats also helped Bangladesh to develop a certain nothing-to-lose-mentality and fearlessness at the back of their mind, which helped them to play in a bolder and determined manner. Ultimately, it paid rich dividends as for the last four years; Bangladesh’s success has been eye-catching.

Chandika Hathursingha, after taking charge of Tigers as head coach in 2014, recognised the development of such a mentality among the Bangladesh boys and immediately he started to nurture it so that Bangladesh can utilise to a great advantage and in Australia and New Zealand, during ICC World Cup 2015, each and everyone witnessed the emergence of a new Bangladesh team, which play boldly and handles the pressure better than past.

That Hathurusingha became the head coach of Sri Lanka last year. And under him, that struggling Sri Lanka of post-Mahela-and-Sanga-era started to turnaround after a horrible one-and-half years, but all of a sudden they lost their way in the middle of 2018. There is nothing to explain about the on-and-off-the-field incidents and there is nothing to explain about how Sri Lanka were getting hammered at home and abroad.

Even an ardent follower of Sri Lankan cricket gave up hope of a turnaround, while the critics thought, Sri Lanka have joined the list of West Indies, who lost their way in 1995 and until the start of England series at home, were a shadow of glorious past.

But perhaps, during those tough times, Sri Lanka must have developed that Bangladesh-like mentality, as mentioned above, and with Hathurusingha around, perhaps, he nurtured this mentality among the Lankan boys to deliver their best. As Dimuth Karunaratne said, ““When we came here, no one thought we can win a series here. But if we back ourselves, we can win those matches. We wanted to do something good for the team, for the Sri Lankan fans. End of the day, we did a really good job”.

So, when the 2-match Test series against South Africa commenced, the world witnessed the end of great run at home for Proteas as the Lankan Lions became the first team from subcontinent to win a Test series in the rainbow nation, a feat, which some of the best teams from subcontinent failed to achieve in past.

Both the teams batted poorly, while both of them bowled brilliantly. But the factor, which determined the winner, was the ability to handle the pressure and Sri Lanka handled it better than the hosts.

The visitors were without some of their major players either due to injuries or suspension, but whenever, Sri Lanka faced the heat, they did not melt, but stepped up to face the challenge both at Durban and Port Elizabeth.

If Durban was all about Kusal Perea’s individual brilliance and courage then Port Elizabeth can be labelled as a complete team effort – a bunch of Islanders enjoying themselves out there with no fear and anxiety. They know that they have nothing to lose. They know that they would not lose if they enjoy themselves out there.

As Karunaratne said, “The tour (in New Zealand) started in December, so we are out of the country for three months. If you don't enjoy and if you can't free your mind, you can't give your best," Karunaratne said. "I know the talent we have, so we wanted to get those out. If you're enjoying yourself, you can definitely get those out”.

Dhananjaya de Silva took the responsibility of spin department when Lasith Embuldeniya dislocated his left thumb and with Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando, though looked impressive with the ball, but were not giving any breakthroughs, an ego-free Suranga Lakmal took the matters in hand to end South Africa’s second innings in no time.

Neither Lakmal nor de Silva delivered something extraordinary to dismiss the South Africa batters on Day 2, but kept on pitching the ball further up to the batters on a fourth and fifth stump line, which created pressure and South Africa, succumbed.

Some of the strokes, which South African batters played only indicated, they were afraid to lose and felt the pressure more. It was opposite in case of Sri Lanka, who seemed focused and tough enough and the result was a stunning back-to-back victory in a territory, which is always considered as hostile for subcontinent teams.   

On Day 3, Kusal Mendis and Oshada Fernando displayed the ideal sense and sensibility with the bat, which Sri Lanka missed on crunch situations. The South African attack failed to breach their determination.

History was created!   

Maybe, this result can be regarded as one of the most unexpected ones in the history of Test cricket and one can end up saying, cricket is a glorious game of uncertainty, but success for any teams doesn’t come so easily. Especially in a five-day match, the team which handles the pressure better, laughs the last laugh. In that sense, I am not ready to tag Sri Lanka’s victory as a fluke. Of course, you don’t win back-to-back Test matches just relying on the unexpected-factor. 

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 23/02/2019 Sri Lanka handled the pressure better

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

The bowlers shine, West Indies win

In a tensed encounter at Barbados West Indies scripted a victory to level the series and the bowlers deserve a lot of credit…..

When the “Universal Boss” Chris Gayle smashed a hundred at Bridgetown Barbados in first ODI, the cricketing world went crazy. Gayle is one of the most favourite cricketers among the young generation like AB de Villiers. So, a Gayle-in-full-flow in West Indies colours would trigger a festive mood among the neutrals. West Indies posted 360 for 8 in 50 overs, but Joe Root and Jason Roy’s eye-catching stroke-play overshadowed Gayle’s ton. England took the lead after completing highest successful One-day International (ODI) chase to win the series opener against West Indies in Barbados.

No matter how big a total you post, if the bowlers don’t deliver, even something around 400 won’t be safe in this era of heavy bats and power-hitting. In the end, the first ODI turned into a damp squib and England showed everyone why they are the ultimate hot favourites in the upcoming ICC World Cup. Sadly, the much-celebrated and swashbuckling ton of Gayle would be regarded as a hundred for a losing cause. In the history of cricket, so many wonderful tons have been forgotten because they failed to produce a result. Someone like Tamim Iqbal would realise the pain of Gayle.

But Shimron Hetmyer did not have to go the Gayle way. With his daring-attitude and ability to essay murderous strokes, Hetmyer is already regarded as one of the stars of future. His aggressive batting was evident in first ODI as well. But a 15-ball 20 only just helped to swell the total and entertain. What West Indies wished more from Hetmyer is a prolonged stay at the crease, and it was fulfilled in second ODI on the same ground.

Gayle set the tempo, but West Indies middle-order struggled to convert the starts as soon as Gayle was dismissed. The situation demanded deft stroke-play and patience to stay at the crease. With Hetmyer around the corner, one could not be much optimistic. But Hetmyer showed he can bat according to the demand of situation and he had to step up as West Indies excluded a batsman – Nicolas Pooran – to strengthen their bowling attack by including Sheldon Cottrell - a bowler who could swing at a decent pace and possesses the temperament to bowl at the death.

At first, Hetmyer played with composure – his 76-run stand with Darren Bravo for the fourth wicket was nothing but salvaging deeds. And when Bravo, Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite fell quickly, he switched to fifth gear and unleashed the attacking instincts.  To challenge England a team at least needs something around 300 runs and with 237 for 6 and five overs to; a batsman needs to accelerate as much as possible. Hetmyer went all guns blazing – flashy strokes showed up and he did not bother to bring up his ton via a boundary while batting on 98 with just two balls remaining in West Indies innings.

It was a very well-organised innings, which could have faced the fate of Gayle’s ton had West Indies bowlers not clawed back into the match.

Cottrell sent Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow packing with a crisp Military salute, a reference to his time as a private in Jamaican Defence Force. Oshane Thomas cut short the stay of Joe Root, but this England side would not bother much losing such big guns as their depth in batting is too good.    

England were cruising when Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes were at the crease. To score 62 off 61 balls was never going to be a tough task for this English batting lineup until and unless someone steps up to set jitters in batting lineup. Who else but West Indian captain Holder stepped up.  He dismissed Stokes, flummoxed Jos Buttler with a slower ball and then trapped Tom Curran lbw first ball. 3 wickets fell for 5 runs and from nowhere West Indies came back into the game.

Cottrell in his second spell removed Morgan, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid – England lost their way. Cottrell bagged a 5-wicket haul while West Indies held their nerves to script a series-levelling win.

The inclusion of an extra bowler reaped a rich harvest for West Indies and in any form of the game, the value of bowlers is worth as a gold. The Caribbean could not defend 360 but hung on to a cliffhanger in the second encounter only because of some superb bowling display. Again, Hetmyer’s ton would be regarded as a match-winning one as because West Indies bowling was too good.

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 23/02/2019 The bowlers shine, West Indies win 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

Sabbir Rahman repays faith

All was doom and gloom

The result of third One-day International (ODI) was a foregone conclusion. Bangladesh failed to break the jinx in New Zealand and digested a whitewash in a bilateral ODI series yet again. Ten years ago, such a result could have been digested easily, but right now, Bangladesh are expected to put up a fighting display and win matches. Keeping in mind the improvement of Tigers, such an expectation is not like building castles in dreams.

Sadly, the outcome of the 3-match ODI series had been a repeat of previous ones. Amid the frustrating displays from the Bangladesh batsmen and bowlers, there had been few positives to watch out for.

Mohammad Mithun’s composure at number 6 has given Bangladesh think tank a new ray of hope, while the return of Sabbir Rahman back to form has not only been encouraging, but this series could be regarded as one of his career-saving ones.

For the last couple of years Sabbir created a lot of noise off the field. His disciplinary issues hampered his progress to a greater extent. Last year, his inappropriate behaviour with two fans on social media triggered a massive controversy, which prompted Bangladesh Cricket Board Officials to take strong against him. The incident happened while he is serving a punishment for physically assaulting a child during a first-class game in December 2017. Again, he had been in trouble over disciplinary reason in past also, with the BCB fining him in 2016 for "serious off-field disciplinary breaches" during a domestic Twenty20 League.

Meanwhile, Sabbir’s form was quite poor as well. His bat was not talking and then, such inappropriate off-the-field-behaviours had put him in the hot soup. He was axed from the ODI squad during last year’s Asia Cup in the Middle East, stripped off from a central contract and then handed a six-month ban from international cricket, which meant he would miss the home series against Zimbabwe, West Indies and upcoming New Zealand tour.

Sabbir’s cricketing future looked bleak and it was pretty frustrating to see the woeful state of such a talented cricketer. Not so long ago Sabbir was the heartthrob of Bangladesh, but so quickly his star status had taken a severe blow. In such a competitive era, it is also very difficult to fight back and cement a place in the team. That smiling boy with charming eyes like a kitten blessed with the ability to time the ball better than any of his colleagues seemed to face the fate of previous talented customers in Bangladesh cricket, who faded all of a sudden.

Sabbir’s presence could be felt in the domestic arena of Bangladesh, but by then, Bangladesh started to forget him and move on.

But there is always a second chance…….  

There is always a second chance in life and for which, a slice of luck is needed. Bangladesh announced the ODI and Test squad for New Zealand tour, where Sabbir’s name was seen. It came as a surprise to many as Sabbir was serving a ban. According to various reports, his selection was part of a miscommunication between the chief selector Minhajul Abedin, captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Boss Nazmul Hassan.  

“This is his last chance. If he does the same thing again, he will get a life ban. I felt that maybe he would have done better had he taken more time to return. Now it is very risky for him. A small mistake can destroy his career,” said Nazmul Hassan while speaking to reporters about Sabbir on Januray 29, 2019.

The pressure on the young man was immense, but when pressure helps a cricketer to deliver the best, one has to realise about his tough temperament. Pressure did not melt Sabbir, but it acted as a catalyst to rejuvenate him. He got the opportunity to play in ODI series against New Zealand as Mashrafe wanted someone to score quickly at number seven and in Sabbir he witnessed such qualities.

Mash said, “I want a 15-ball 25 or a 20-ball 35 from my No 7. Imagine who he will be facing at the World Cup - Starc, Cummins, Bumrah, Shami, Bhuvneshwar, Rabada, Steyn, Woakes, Stokes, Boult, Southee, Hasan Ali or Amir. Give me one batsman who can play shots with power or improvise against these bowlers. I think Sabbir has the ability.”

Sabbir repays the faith……

In the first ODI at Napier Sabbir fired blanks and in the second he gave evidence of coming back to form. While in third, it was time to enjoy the class of this boy from Rajshahi. Bangladesh were reeling at 40 for 4 in response to New Zealand’s 330 for 6 in 50 overs. A heavy defeat was on the cards, but Sabbir decided to hit-back rather than getting peppered by the rampant pace attack of New Zealand.

The kitten-eyes were focused – watched every ball closely from release point, the feet moved well with initial-triggered movement on the back foot, body went behind the line of the ball quickly, the wrists seemed wrapped with silk and that pristine timing was back. Even when he attacked, it was cultured enough rather than a blind-whack, which indicated, how hard he worked to improve his game while being in the wilderness.  Most importantly, he showed the temperament to stay at the crease and put a price tag on his wicket. Certainly, the Rajshahi-lad is not going to give up easily but is determined to answer his critics in style.

As soon as he reached his hundred, he celebrated with a “bat-does-the-talking” gesture, which was understandable from a lad, who has gone through so much over the past few years. Some of his critics did not like it and even they are pretty reluctant to recognize the class of Sabbir after this hundred. Such a hundred from a lad, whose career was on the line, deserves encouragement and not an underestimation.  

That’s where the problem lies in Bangladesh. The so-called celebrated experts and critics are obsessed with personal favourites and if they don’t like someone, they try their level best to drag him down no matter how talented he is! Sabbir has his faults, but one must also think, did he receive enough support to rectify himself from these critics, who are always after his head? Did these critics ever try to understand; Sabbir is sort of a flawed genius and needs to be handled carefully?

Such critics never understood what Shakib Al Hasan is and always tried to drag him down and even they don’t have the eye to recognize Sabbir’s class as because these critics are biased.

Thankfully, someone like Mashrafe was there to recognise Sabbir's true value. 

"I am thankful to Mashrafe bhai and to every single individual who had supported me through thick and thin. Their moral support was extremely helpful during the past. I dedicate my century to my father and mother as they were beside me all through when I was passing through some torrid time due to all the things that had happened during the last couple of months," he said after the match. 

Let Sabbir’s bat talk more…..

The back-to-back satisfactory performances should not fade like the early morning mist, but Sabbir should maintain his consistency to help Bangladesh cricket move forward. He must understand about the talent he has been gifted by God and thus learn to manage it accordingly rather than falling to traps set by his critics. The focus should remain only improving more and nothing else.

Note: This article has been posted in Cricketsoccer on 20/02/2019 Sabbir Rahman repays the faith

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Kusal Perera’s epic is a ray of hope for Sri Lanka

Kusal Perera’s heroics should inspire and help to script a turnaround in Sri Lankan cricket……

Neither it was Virat Kohli nor Joe Root nor was it Kane Williamson at Durban, but someone named Kusal Perera script a Brian-Lara-like-epic against a ferocious bowling attack which included Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier and Vernon Philander. When the ninth wicket fell at 226, yet another defeat awaited for Sri Lanka, who last won a Test almost six months back against the same opposition at home. But since then, nothing has gone right for Sri Lanka.

When Perera glided Rabada towards third man for a boundary, he was not out on 153 – coincidentally it was the same score, which Lara notched up on that eventful afternoon twenty years against Australia. Like that third Test at Bridgetown Barbados, Perera’s knock was a one-man-show in a nerve-shredding run chase. He had to accumulate enormous self-belief within himself and exhibit courage when Sri Lanka still needed 78 more runs with just one wicket in hand.

 In Vishwa Fernando, he found a great partner, who could just provide Perera the ideal support to steer the ship home. Fernando left, at times, showed guts to play-and-defend some of the scorching deliveries from Steyn and Rabada and ducked against the short-pitched stuffs, which possessed enough venom to put chills down the spine of even the best batsmen. But courage and determination have a different value. It helps to travel through black waters under the toughest circumstances.

With Perera batting with so much confidence and bravery, obviously, Fernando would not let his partner down by committing something silly. Fernando dished out a defiant resistance and in my opinion, that six not out would remain one of the finest supportive-innings in the history of Test cricket.

Meanwhile, Steyn and Rabada’s speed started to increase speed. Rabada at times clocked around 150 kmph and Steyn 140 kmph. Both of them increased the heat, but the Gods of cricket did not want a tragic hero to born in Durban. The day had to belong to a hero and the hero of the day was Perera, whose career was jeopardized by injuries and inconsistencies.

Perera’s and his 153 – a score, which was scored by Billy Murdoch at the Oval in 1880, Lara at Barbados in 1999, Allan Border at Lahore in 1982-83, Neil Harvey in his debut Test in 1948 at Melbourne, Mark Waugh in 1998 at Bengaluru – his first Test ton in India, Sachin Tendulkar at Adelaide in 2008, Cheteshwar Pujara at Johannesburg in 2013 and Graham Gooch in 1981 against West Indies at Kingston.  So far, there have been 32 instances of a batsman making 153 in a Test innings. Well, it seems, this 153 is meant to be associated with great batsmen and great knocks or also may help to change the fortunes of a cricket team.

For the last six or seven months, Sri Lankan cricket has gone through terrible times. While the on-field performances remained frustrating, off the field, it was chaotic as well. Allegations of corruption, strained-relationship with the head coach and officials, the musical chair regarding captaincy, indiscipline among the players and pathetic defeats in each match overshadowed the glorious past of Sri Lankan cricket.

The whole team had been suffering from a lack of self-belief and confidence. It needed someone to step up and instill that lost confidence and boost morale. Through Perera’s match-winning knock, Sri Lanka have found a way to script a turnaround.

Even Sri Lanka’s history suggests, such heroics have always proved to be instrumental in shaping up Sri Lankan cricket.

In the second Test at Faisalabad against Pakistan in 1995, Hashan Tillakaratne notched up 115 runs and lifted Sri Lanka up from 33 for 4 in first innings and in the second Aravinda de Silva scored 105 to help Sri Lanka take a healthy lead, who were trailing by 118 runs. Pakistan failed to chase 252 runs and Sri Lanka won a Test in Pakistan for the first time and ultimately went on to win the series. It heralded a new era in Sri Lankan cricket, who became World Champions next year.  

In 2006, Sri Lankan cricket were experiencing a lean-patch early on. During England tour, the going was tough and Mahela Jayawardene stepped up to script a fighting hundred at Lord’s, which boosted the Lankan morale, who left the English shores after levelling the Test series and winning the 5-match One-day International (ODI) series in style.  Sri Lanka would experience an absolute purple patch in the next couple of years.

Seven years ago in Durban, A Thilan Samaraweera and Kumar Sangakkara hundred would inspire the Lankans to win a Test in South Africa for the first time. Mind you, after the World Cup 2011, Sri Lankan cricket was experiencing a similar sort of ugly lean-patch under Tillakaratne Dilshan. Each match was a bad experience and it seemed, Sri Lanka have lost their way in the post-Murali-and-Vaas era. They lost the first Test in Centurion badly, but bounced back in second and fought hard in the third.

The whole team landed home with their heads high and in the next couple of years, Sri Lanka would experience a fantastic phase.

Such brilliant phases after a brief lean-patch have always started through gutsy knocks under pressure since 1995 and Perera’s 153 can inspire to commence yet another turnaround.

Cricket can’t afford to witness Sri Lankan cricket team in such bad shape.       

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 18/02/2019 The Kusal Perera’s epic is a ray of hope for Sri Lanka

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bangladesh missed Rubel Hossain

It is not understandable why someone like Rubel Hossain was not included in first two ODIs….

 There was nothing new and exciting in Christchurch, but it was the repeat of Napier. Martin Guptill smashed a ton, Bangladesh batting struggled and that man Mohammad Mithun stepped up to give the visitors some sort of respectability,  who were reeling at 93 for 5 and this time around, Mithun had Sabbir Rahman by his side to do the repair work. At least Sabbir’s 43 would shut the mouth of his critics for a while. And, as usual, Bangladesh bowling remained below-par.

The difference has been, New Zealand chased the target quicker than Napier without breaking enough sweat.

Bangladesh bowlers were so easy to play.

Still, they seemed to be hungover by the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

How could such a substandard Twenty20 League be the ideal platform for the preparation of New Zealand tour I fail to understand! Even the head coach and captain endorsed the same thought, but still, why was it necessary to arrange such a pathetic tournament each and every year, which gives Bangladesh cricket nothing, but a flurry of substandard cricket, flawed television coverage, comical local hosts and commentators.     

Bangladesh batting and bowling have been badly affected by BPL, but the trend of modern day expert is, they don’t wish to speak about the bad-effects of Twenty20 Leagues despite realizing its adverse effects.  Cash is so powerful; it can shut anyone’s mouth, except few. And those who speak don’t receive importance from others and their words fell in deaf ears. But one should not stop, but continue speaking about hard-hitting facts.

The Bangladesh skipper, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza yet again emphasized on improving the batting of Tigers, but I always failed to understand, why he skips the bowling sector, which has failed to back the fighting efforts of batters. Again, it was not understandable why such a slowish bowler like Mohammad Saifuddin share the new ball with Mashrafe! Is Saifuddin part of any so-called quota system in Bangladesh cricket? His lollypop-bowling can be suitable in BPL, but surely not in Napier and Christchurch.

Going by the logic of Mashrafe, if Bangladesh batsmen posted something around 270-300-plus runs, they might have given Kiwis a run for their money, but Mashrafe forgot, with such a toothless bowling attack, even a total of 400 runs is not secured enough.

Where is Rubel Hossain?

Why Rubel Hossain is not given the preference ahead of Saifuddin?

It is not known whether Rubel is unfit or not, but if he is picked in the squad then surely he is there because of being fit and ready to bowl.

At Napier and Christchurch, Bangladesh missed the pace and agility of Rubel. Rubel is a skiddy customer and on any tracks, he can prove handy. He pitches the ball on an attacking length and with the old ball he has the ability to dish out the contrast swing and bang on the Yorkers straight into the blockhole. In the 50-over format, Rubel has delivered Bangladesh the goods whenever it was needed.

Meanwhile, against New Zealand, Rubel’s record is very impressive. In the 50-over formats, Rubel has bagged 21 wickets at an average and strike rate of 26.14 and 30.24 respectively. His best bowling figures of 6 for 26 and his only hat-trick in ODIs are also against the same opponent.

How could ignore such a bowler who not only has the experience, but possesses a very good record against New Zealand?

In New Zealand, any visiting teams from subcontinent would require pace and skill to strike gold in Test and ODIs. If anyone wishes to fetch wickets by relying on spinners then he must be as high-class Shane Warne and the masters of modern day cricket: Yuzuvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.  Bangladesh do have a class act like Shakib Al Hasan, but unfortunately, he is absent due to injuries and for which, Rubel factor was much needed to give decisive breakthroughs and pile up the pressure.

Sadly, Bangladesh think tank thought otherwise. They decided to stick to Saifuddin.

Obviously, everyone deserves another chance to prove his worth, but one has to be stupid of high pedigree to ignore someone like Rubel.  

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 16/02/2018 Bangladesh missed Rubel Hossain

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bangladesh bowling needs to improve

Mohammad Mithun led the fight with bat to help Bangladesh earn respectability, but the bowlers failed to back Mithun’s brilliant knock…….

“It was tough. We were struggling with the bat, lost too many wickets at the start. They bowled well but we lost too many. There are no excuses. We need a week to adjust to the conditions, but I don't want to make any excuses. We will give our best in the next game. I think batting is a concern, but at the same time the bowling also needs some work. We did not bowl badly today but 232 is hard to defend”

That’s what Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the Bangladesh captain uttered after end of first one-day international (ODI) match at McLean Park, Napier. He emphasized on the importance of an improved batting, but he forgot one more important thing to emphasize and which was the toothless bowling of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s story in New Zealand, be it in an ODI or Test, has never been chummy. Since Bangladesh and New Zealand started to tour each other way back in 2001-02 seasons, it had been the Kiwis who had the last laugh at their own backyard. Until that tour in 2017, Bangladesh hardly had any sweet memories to relish in New Zealand. And for which, a tour to New Zealand has always remained one of the least expected ones for Bangladesh fans.

But in 2017, Bangladesh showed the character to fight despite losing the Test and ODI series and Bangladesh’s recent improvement in both formats of game has instilled a positive expectation in the hearts of Bangladesh critics and fans. Especially in limited-overs format, Bangladesh have a very balanced unit, who can deliver the best even under trying circumstances.

On this tour, they may not have the services of the best all-rounder in the world in ODIs, but obviously, in recent past Bangladesh have proved, even without the presence of the dynamic Shakib Al Hasan; they can survive the scare of best oppositions in world cricket. And thus, the Shakib-factor may not have loomed large in the minds of Bangla boys when they faced the Kiwis on a sun-kissed day at Napier.    

But like the past, Bangladesh made a shaky start after deciding to bat first.

The ball swung. The ball came to the batsmen at pace and the ball bounced.

Bangladesh’s top-order melted in no time as six wickets fell for 94 runs.

The successes in the last couple of years have helped to develop a fighting spirit within the boys and the boys understand how to read the situation and play accordingly when they come under pressure. The perfect example is Mohammad Mithun, who stepped up yet again under pressure to stabilize the tattered innings of Bangladesh. He motored the innings beautifully with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Saifuddin to drag Bangladesh out of the mud.

The total of Bangladesh was competitive in my opinion, but to back that total, they did not bowl the way they should have – the bowling of Bangladesh lacked the cutting edge.

I failed to understand why Saifuddin was preferred over Mustafizur Rahman to share the new ball. Mustafiz is a complete package both with the old and new ball. He can be a handy customer when the matter is about giving breakthroughs with the new ball. But astonishingly, Saifuddin was preferred.

Saifuddin might be regarded as an all-rounder in Bangladesh, but in comparison to batting, his bowling is too mediocre. You can’t expect a slow medium-pacer to rise and shine in New Zealand. His match figures of 43 runs from 7 overs at an economy rate of 6.14 indicate how he released the pressure from another end when Mashrafe was trying to create the same with tighter lines.

With due respect to Saifuddin’s abilities, someone like Rubel Hossain could have given Bangladesh the much needed value at Napier. Rubel is such a skiddy customer, who has added a lot of dynamism in Bangladesh bowling attack on many occasions. Most importantly, Rubel’s pace and Yorkers can never be ignored.

Miraz, Mahmudullah Riyad and Sabbir Rahman tried to fill the gap of Shakib, but leaked five runs an over.

New Zealand coasted home safely without any pressure.

Again, in my opinion, the Bangladesh bowling attack was found to be hungover by Bangladesh Premier League.

How can you dismiss the batsmen with a Twenty20 line-and-length?  

The length of Bangladesh bowlers was much more on the half-volley and shorter side, while the line erred consistently. It’s hard to expect breakthroughs if the line-and-length consistently remains undisciplined and bowling lacks variety in flight.

Overall, the Bangladesh bowling needs a huge improvement alongside batting and it would be better if Bangladesh seek for the right combination ahead of second ODI.

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 13/02/2019 Bangladesh bowling needs to improve

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Mark ‘Express’ Wood rocks West Indies

Mark Wood’s spell on second day led to a sensational West Indian batting collapse and might have revived Wood’s Test career……

One of the most exciting things for me to follow, during the Ashes 2015 in England, was an English bowler named Mark Wood. Neither did he give the impression of something special nor did he fit the prototype of a modern English pacer. But his deceptive pace, which clocked around 85 mph on average, caught my attention. He used to deliver from wide of the crease and brought the ball back-in-to the batters at pace. The Australian batters were pressurized by the Wood gave away wickets to big guns.

But after that eventful Ashes campaign, Wood would be an inconsistent campaigner. Lean-patches and injuries would create hurdles in his career. He did get his opportunities to cash in, but sadly, that deceptive pace was not evident. For every team, pace bowlers are an asset. Apart from skill and experience, the value of a pacer gives a team the extra-value. A genuinely quick bowler can not only trigger the fear-factor in the minds of a batting unit, but also can script a collapse from nowhere.  Keeping this in mind, England looked forward to Wood since that Ashes campaign, but he failed to unleash the magic.   

England lacked temperament and an x-factor in the bowling unit throughout the Test series in West Indies. While the hosts peppered the visitors with speed and barrage of short-pitch bowling, the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad or Ben Stokes; just could not deliver the balls at pace – well too much to expect from the old warhorses, though!

England decided to give Wood yet another opportunity. Even his best of fans would not expect anything special from Wood, but would invest faith in the experienced campaigners for the goods.

Shannon Gabriel bowled fast, really fast in the morning session. The ball reached towards the English batsmen like cannonballs. Immediately, it resulted in a collapse – England lost their last six wickets for 46 runs. On this track at Saint Lucia, 277 is still a very competitive total. Even though the kind of start West Indies openers gave to their team, it seemed, England might have to grind under the hot sun yet again.

John Campbell shunned the idea of defensive display and started to play his shots. There were some crispy strokes, but it increased the chances of playing false strokes. Kraigg Brathwaite dropped the anchor as usual, but Campbell’s fluency was contagious – it prompted Brathwaite to attempt a un-Brathwaite stroke against the run of play. He decided to smack Moeen Ali by attempting a Twenty20-shot, which went high up in the air as James Anderson grabbed the catch in the deep.    

Then it was time for restless Campbell to depart, who was not sure how to play an Ali-delivery, which pitched full in-and-around leg stump and was trapped lbw.

The kind of discipline West Indies displayed throughout the series was absent. Perhaps, a bit of over-confidence overshadowed the solid temperament shown at Barbados and Antigua.

A devastating spell to relish

Wood started to bowl.

The run-up was smooth but not thrilling to watch. The jump at the popping crease before delivering the ball did not attract anyone, but as soon as he delivered the ball, he commanded each and everyone’s attention.  Each and every delivery had a touch of hostility as they were delivered with pace – pace, the much needed pace, which England missed in West Indies.

According to Cricviz, “Wood took two wickets in his first over, did not concede a run until his 13th ball and didn’t drop below 140kph until his 34th. This was the Mark Wood that people were calling for when they talked of England’s lack of pace during the Ashes; quick, hostile and taking wickets”.

The deliveries to dismiss Shai Hope and Roston Chase clocked around 94.6 mph, while Darren Bravo’s guts were melted by with balls, which thudded into his body and prompted him to play a meek-shot. The dangerous Shimron Hetmyer was undone by a lifter and then, Alzarri Joseph and Gabriel got the taste of their own medicine.

Wood, who replaced Olly Stone, grabbed five wickets for 41 runs in his 8.2-over spell. It was his maiden 5-wicket haul in his 13th Test.

In Antigua Wood said, “I would never give up hope of playing Test cricket. Growing up it’s the pinnacle”. Certainly, he never gave up. Despite back and ankle problems, he kept on working hard and waited for the ultimate opportunity to prove his worth again. And also, in life, you need a slice of luck. Had Stone not been injured, Wood might have to warm the bench at Saint Lucia as well.  

“There have been some horrible dark days with injury and things, with confidence and self-belief. I thought in my mind I was an England player but I hadn’t shown it. But today I feel like I have. The feeling of five was brilliant. The lads knew what it meant to me and I was emotional in the dressing room. It was a relief and I am so happy”, Wood said after the match.

 The tour to UAE with the England Lions really helped Wood to rediscover his potential as a menacing fast bowler, who would come on and bowl in short but hostile spells. Obviously, Trevor Bayliss had to step up and make one of his students to realise his true potentials.

“Trevor challenged me to go and show I was a step above the lads in the Lions and really set the bar high. In most the games I feel I did that and proved I was an international class bowler," Wood said.

“I felt I was actually here on merit. I felt because I'd done well there [in UAE] it merited my spot being here and this time I wasn't picked on potential, I deserved it”.

Hard work pays off and Wood is just another example, but to prolong the duration of your success one needs to understand the mantra of achieving consistency. Wood needs to be consistent to secure his place in England’s Test team. Otherwise, the accolades would disappear quickly like the morning mist.

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 11/02/2019 Mark ‘Express’ Wood rocks West Indies

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

England show resolve, at last

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler rescue England on Day 1……

I always wish that a West Indies return to glory days will take place at Sabina Park at Jamaica, one of the most historic and famous stadiums in cricket history. It had been the venue where West Indies lost their throne to Australia. No Kingdom lasts forever. No ruler rules for eternity. The dominance of West Indies had to come to an end. For the fans, it was unexpected as they were not habituated to it. But it happened at Sabina Park in 1995 and since then, I firmly believed, Sabina Park should be the ideal place for the revival of Caribbean cricket.

But Saint Lucia has earned the honours of hosting Test matches these days at a regular interval. Historically, this venue does not have an enriched Test history like Sabina Park. Nor do they have iconic players like other islands of West Indies. They do have someone named Darren Sammy, but he is just a famous showman in shorter-format of the game.  On July 21, 2016, Saint Lucia Cricket Stadium was renamed as the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground after Darren Sammy helped West Indies to lift the World Twenty20 in 2016.

I could not understand how a Test venue could hold the name of a cricketer, who is not much interested to feature in Test cricket. In fact, he is not a quality Test cricketer. Nevertheless, Saint Lucia is a very beautiful stadium. One can enjoy the best of facilities in this stadium, which was built in 2002. And, it is the venue for the third Test between West Indies and England as well. The West Indies would lift the Wisden Trophy on this venue and not Jamaica as already, they have sealed the series by 2-0.

Also read: Why England batsmen should adopt composure rather than aggression in St. Lucia

But this Test is supposed to be a test of character for England batsmen. Since the first Test commenced at Bridge Town Barbados, the adventurous batting of England came under serious criticisms. On testing tracks, neither attack not counterattack would bore enough fruits until and unless, you show enough resolve. The kind of bowling England faced in previous two Test matches; it required the highest quality of technique and temperament, which England lacked.

England included Keaton Jennings instead of Ben Foakes, the man who had a very impressive start to his Test career and seems to have a very good technique. But Jennings was favoured, which was baffling. Jennings wanted to make his opportunity count. His intention to occupy the crease was never solid, but shaky. Finally his painful stay came to an end – a loose drive against Keemo Paul, the replacement of Jason Holder, cut short Jennings’ 43-ball 8 runs. How long England will persist with Jennings remains a moot question!

As time progressed, 30 for 1 became 69 for 3 and then 107 for 4. Joe Root was Alzarri Jaoseph’s bunny again while the rest of top order failed to convert their starts into big ones. In fact, the kind of attacking line-and-length Paul, Shannon Gabriel, Joseph and Roach were bowling, the English top order batters did not have the right approach to counter such.

Thankfully, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler – two of the most attacking batsmen in world cricket these days, decided to curb their natural stroke-making-intent and drop down the anchor. And it paid off.

They scripted the longest and most important partnership of this tour on Day 1. A defiant 124-run stand for fifth wicket arrested a collapse. Even though their innings was not chanceless – Buttler dropped at 0 and Stokes walked towards the dressing room before being recalled after Joseph was seen to have overstepped – but their resolve sucked the energy out of West Indies bowling.

According to Cricviz, “Buttler judged the West Indies bowlers’ lengths exceptionally, opting to not attack a single ball pitching between 6.7, and 8.5m – the in-between length that has caused England batsmen so many problems in the series up to now. Stokes had an even bigger zone of reticence, not attacking anything between 5.7m and 8.8m”.

Later on the day, while speaking to media, Stokes said, “I actually looked at some footage of me at Lord's (vs New Zealand in 2015) this morning. I've been thinking about going back to that technique: straightening my feet up and batting with an off stump guard. I've been working with Mark Ramprakash [the batting coach] on it for the last couple of days”.

“I was just trying to find some levelness: not being too aggressive, but not being too defensive. I thought I had been a bit stuck over the last couple of months. Watching myself at Lord's did me the world of good”.

England finally realized the importance of exhibiting resolve and composure according to demand of situation and England fans would expect a similar sort of approach on Day 2 as well. 

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 10/02/2019 England show resolve, at last

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

Ebadat Hossain can give Bangladesh the X-factor

Including Ebadat Hossain in the Test squad is a good decision…….

First thing first! I was pretty delighted to know that, gradually Taskin Ahmed is rediscovering his mojo. I cannot but deny, Taskin Ahmed is a very good bowler and even though, he lost his way a bit in the last couple of years, but still, considering his talent, one cannot deny him easily. He went through bad-patches and career-threatening injuries.  But like any other passionate cricketer, he worked hard to come back into the side.  He was included in the Bangladesh squad to New Zealand, but sadly, yet another injury dented his return.

The exclusion of Taskin Ahmed proved to be a golden opportunity for another promising youngster, Ebadat Hossain. The youngster just needed a slice of luck to represent Bangladesh in international cricket. He would replace Taskin in the Test squad.

Even six years ago, cricket was not even in Ebadat’s mind. He joined Bangladesh Air Force as a Volleyball player in 2012. More than a sportsman, the job security mattered more for Ebadot. The concentration was on volleyball, but it was also the time, when Bangladesh cricket was on the rise. At the international level, the once bashing-boys of world cricket, have started to create an impact against the Big Boys of World Cricket. So, naturally, cricket would attract any youngster during that time and Ebadot also relished the dream of becoming a cricketer.

In fact, before joining Bangladesh Air Force, Ebadat was famous for bowling fast in Moulavi Bazar’s Borolikha village. He was hired by various local teams to play for them and his ferocity was praised by all. He was a raw fast bowler and pace excited him.

  

Volleyball cut short his time to concentrate on cricket, but Rabi’s pacer hunt program in 2016 gave him the opportunity to try his luck in cricket. Even though, some sources say, despite serving as a volleyball player in Bangladesh Air Force, considering his passion for cricket, Ebadat was given the opportunity to play cricket in Dhaka City Club in 2014.

So, among 14, 611 contestants in Robi pacer hunt, Ebadat won with distinction. Even though 139-140 kmph may not satisfy any experts to tag him as a fast bowler, but in Bangladesh how many could bowl with such speed on a consistent basis and there always remains the option to improve more if nurtured in a correct system.  

Ebadat was brought into HP squad.

Aaqib Javed, the former Pakistani fast bowler, paid a visit to Dhaka in August 2016 for a week-long workshop with Bangladesh’s young fast bowlers.  Aaqib was impressed with two young pacers – one was the 6 feet 2 inch Ali Ahmmed and the other was Ebadat. Especially, Aaqib was in full praise about Ebadat.

He said, “He has got pace, good body and action. But he has to come out of that phase. Ebadat is bowling 138-140 kph with his physique. Coaches told me he will go back and join the Air Force and stop practising. I think somebody should give him a contract or a job that is related to cricket. He reminded me of Mohammad Irfan. We worked on him for six months and made him ready for first-class cricket. If he can build a decent body, he can be a future Bangladesh fast bowler”.

Aaqib’s suggestion was taken with great importance by Bangladesh think tank and included him in the BCB XI, who played a warm-up match against the touring England team in 2016. In his first spell, Ebadat impressed with pace and movement – Jason Roy and James Vince were his victims. Ebadat’s first spell impressed many, but lack of professional fitness halted his progress for a while.

Ebadat had sustained the injury during training session soon after practice match against England and would miss the preparatory camp in Sydney, Australia, where the Bangladesh squad departed for a 10-day camp before touring New Zealand. "He has a grade two tear for which it can take three to four weeks to recover," team physio Bayjidul Islam said such.

Ebadat was a surprise pick in the 22-man squad announced on Friday, especially with Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Rubel Hossain and Al-Amin Hossain being ignored for the Australia camp.

After a rehabilitation program, Ebadot returned to first-class cricket. On heavily-batting-friendly decks of Bangladesh’s domestic cricket, Ebadat was impactful. At first, after returning from injury, he struggled to bowl quickly like before, but with each match, he regained his rhythm. That lively pace was back! 

In a domestic shorter-format tournament, Ebadat impressed the expert eyes and as soon as Taskin was unavailable, Bangladesh think tank did not wait further to include Ebadat in the side. Some of the fans criticized his inclusion in the Test squad depending on performance in shorter-format. But to criticise Ebadat's selection on the basis of shorter-format would be lame as the young man has fetched 59 wickets from 19 first-class matches at an average of 28.94 on docile decks of Bangladesh domestic circuit. If we don't give such you guns the chance now, then when?  

Fast bowlers are always special and in any team, they are regarded the x-factor in bowling lineup, who can come up with some inspiring spells against the run of play and contribute to team’s success. And if he is able to move the ball at pace, then that is a big bonus.

Bangladesh’s Ebadat possesses such qualities and he just needs enough opportunities to prove his worth.

In my opinion, the Bangladesh think tank has made a bold decision to include Ebadat in the squad. In New Zealand pace would be needed and someone like Ebadat can not only provide Bangladesh with the cutting edge with speed, but the x-factor in bowling lineup as well.   

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 08/02/2019 Ebadat Hossain can give Bangladesh the X-factor

Thank You

Faisal Caesar    

Alzarri Joseph: The hero of the day

"There is an endearing tenderness in the love of a mother to a son that transcends all other affections of the heart"

Washington Irving

 The bond between a mother and son cannot be explained in few words. For a son, his mother is the best friend in this world. There will never be anything quite as special as the love between the mother and a son. A man loves his mother the longest and when a son loses his mother at a young age, he loses half of his world. It is a huge loss for him!        

For the 21-year old Alzarri Joseph, the morning of February 3 did not start like others. Before the start of third day’s play at Antigua, Joseph came to know the loss of his beloved mother, Sharon. In each and every step of his life, Joseph discovered his mother as the source of encouragement. And his mother celebrated each and every success of her son with utmost joy. But on Day 3, Joseph’s mother would not be with him to take part in the celebration of West Indies’ thumping win over the best in world.

For a 21-year old it is never easy to digest such a tragic loss and concentrate on his usual duties. But Joseph did not step back from taking the field with his team. He decided to be the part of a rejuvenated West Indies side, who were looking to seal the series. Joseph had a dream debut in his home ground Antigua. He not only impressed with pace and hostility, but proved vital in nailing the big fish Joe Root with an absolute ripper in first innings.

Whether Joseph would be able to maintain the similar sort of rhythm in the second stint remained a moot question.

But he came out to bat at number 10 and helped West Indies to stretch the lead. He was greeted by a standing ovation and contributed 7 runs. Then he took the ball and decided to run in full throttle. He delivered full and short at pace – his deliveries clocked around 90mph. One could notice the sadness on his face, but with each delivery he hinted, he was determined enough to transform grief into strength.

***

Rory Burns and Joe Denly seemed to be stitching a solid opening stand despite some nervy moments. But Jason Holder did not want this partnership to flourish. He took matter on his hand. Burns attempted to cut a back-of-a-length delivery, which only flew towards slip, where John Campbell took a regulation catch. Jonny Bairstow arrived at the crease to repeat the heroics in first innings, but it took an early blow as Holder bowled him with a nagging line and incisive length.   

England were in tatters and it was up to Joe Root to script a fairytale-like-turnaround for England. But Holder engaged his menace, Joseph to settle the score. It was a tough thing to ask from a boy, who had just heard the loss of his mother in morning and still decided to take the field. But the speciality about Holder is, he can easily calm his men down and fetch results from them by investing faith and instilling confidence.

Joseph was well aware that he would have the psychological support of his skipper, who would stand by him like a true friend in moments of crisis. Not only his captain, but the whole team stood by him to lend him the much needed support.  

As Holder said, “It's difficult to describe the feelings. We started the day with a daunting task, trying to push on our lead, and then we got the news about Alzarri's mum so we all wanted to rally around one another and we wanted to do it for her”.

“Alzarri was exceptional. It took a lot of heart for him to be on the field today, I think a lot of people wouldn't have been able to, but credit to him”.

“The way he ran in this afternoon was exceptional and with a bit more luck he could have got three or four more wickets and could have put in a man-of-the-match performance”.

"To see him in tears this morning was even harder, and we came together in the huddle and we just wanted to do it for him and we dedicate this day to him, his mum and his family”.

“It was up to him if he played. I didn't want to deprive him of the opportunity to take the field. If he felt he could manage and take the field for the West Indies and perform then I wasn't going to deprive him of that”.

“For sure I knew he wanted to do something special for his mum and credit to him, he held his hand up high and did an exceptional job for us”.

***

Joseph walked towards his mark with lazy steps and started to run – a few of the deliveries were quite casual, but in course of time, Joseph would hog the limelight.

Joseph’s third delivery of England’s 22nd over jagged back in to Root, who was beaten all ends up. Shane Dowrich grabbed the ball and the appeal from him and slip cordon was not loud. Neither Joseph bothered to appeal – with such a mental state it was quite expected, there will be fluctuations in concentration. But his team stood by him and reviewed the decision of on-field umpire. Credit to Holder, who noticed the inside edge while standing from slip as the review turned out to be a masterstroke.    

The umpire raised his finger and Root became Joseph’s bunny, yet again. Joseph had hooked the big fish, but there was no joyous celebration from his side. Well, he was swarmed by his teammates who did the celebration for him. Then Joseph outweighed Joe Denly who misjudged the line of an incoming delivery by shouldering the arms. Again, his teammates celebrated the wicket for him.   

This West Indies team is blessed with team spirit!

Kemar Roach and Holder’s accuracy and hostility never let England settle down. They were bundled out cheaply as West Indies registered a 10-wicket victory to seal the series. But the hero of the day, in my opinion, was Joseph; who overcame such a personal loss and responded to national duties.

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 03/02/2019 Alzarri Joseph: The hero of the day

Thank You

Faisal Caesar