Bangladesh rise from the ashes

Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.

Samuel Johnson

 

Playing Test cricket had become a torture-tale for Bangladesh in the last year and if we consider their performance away from home then it has been a story of disgrace and heartbreaks. Even though there had been shining moments, sadly, they just get overshadowed by the number of defeats and dismal displays. After the frustrating performances last year, the Tigers were scrapping the bottom of the barrel of fortunes in Test cricket. It was time to rise from the ashes; it was time to hit the punch above your weight.

Bangladesh does not have fond memories of New Zealand since they started touring the beautiful country back in 2001-02. Their first-ever tour was nightmarish and apart from some individual flashes of brilliance, Bangladesh stood no chance against New Zealand. And, the outcome was expected the same before the commencement of the first Test at Mount Maunganui.

Cricket is known as the game of glorious uncertainty and when the unexpected happens, it triggers varied emotions – motivates a unit that is suffering from self-confidence, lifts the spirit and histories are created when the unexpected happens.

At times, cricketing fortunes can take by the horns while at times, it is better to let the guardian angel guide the way when darkness prevails – the ride might be bumpy – still, resilience helps a lot during such moments and light is seen at the end of the tunnel – the darkness gives away to a ray of hope, the hope to unite and fight back – gradually, the unexpected becomes expected.

Planning is useful, but the most interesting times in life come from moments that catch you by surprise.

Bangladesh’s majorly low-key performances and with the absence of top players like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal – had reduced them to a third-string side that can be hammered by any top tier sides within a few days and for the World Test Champions, it should have been a cakewalk.

History was created at Mount Maunganui and it was Bangladesh who added another feather to their less illustrious Test history by bringing an end to New Zealand’s 17-match unbeaten run at home in Test matches. The Champions were dominated by a unit that had played with the intent to win from Day 1 and astonishingly, Bangladesh – a team that was beaten within two days of a rain-affected Test match last month – beat New Zealand in all the departments.

The key to Bangladesh’s success was discipline and patience. Both with the bat and ball, they had been resolved and never dropped their shoulders throughout the five intriguing days.

Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz showed the importance of bowling with a tighter line while the batters – Nazmul Hossain, Mominul Hoque, Mahmudul Hasan and Liton Das showed how important occupying the crease could be - leaving the ball is equally important as playing your shots and runs will come if you spend time at the crease.

A team which is known for their lack of interest in playing the longer formats, the exhibition of the basics of Test cricket by them, not only surprised everyone but at the same, earned a lot of accolades from their harsh critics.

Bangladesh have risen from the ashes and this bright performance should not be overshadowed by strings of defeats – consistency is expected so that victories in Test matches against the top sides don’t become an unexpected one – we do want moments of happiness that would not take us by surprise. 

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer on 05/01/2022 Bangladesh rise from the ashes

Thank You

Faisal Caesar