Habibul Bashar: The Steady Hand That Shaped Bangladesh Cricket’s Rise

In the annals of Bangladesh cricket, few names resonate as profoundly as Habibul Bashar. More than a player, he was a statesman of the game, a leader who imbued a fledgling cricketing nation with a sense of purpose and legitimacy. At a time when Bangladesh cricket oscillated between flashes of brilliance and persistent struggles, Bashar emerged as the anchor capable of charting a course toward respectability. His captaincy, underpinned by resilience and a quiet yet firm demeanour, transformed the narrative of Bangladesh cricket, leaving an indelible legacy. 

The Captain Bangladesh Needed

When Bashar assumed the captaincy in 2004, Bangladesh cricket was in desperate need of a leader who could galvanize talent into results. Succeeding Khaled Mahmud, Bashar inherited a team brimming with potential but plagued by inconsistency. Yet, under his stewardship, a new generation of players—including Shahriar Nafees, Abdur Razzak, Aftab Ahmed, and a young Shakib Al Hasan—found their footing. His leadership fostered self-belief in a squad that had often been viewed as little more than enthusiastic underdogs. 

The presence of coach Dave Whatmore complemented Bashar’s leadership. Together, they cultivated a culture of discipline and resilience, traits that would come to define the Tigers. For the first time, Bangladesh began to approach matches with the confidence of a team that belonged on the international stage. 

The Batsman: Elegance with a Tinge of Unpredictability

As a batsman, Bashar’s style mirrored his personality—calm, yet assertive when needed. His hallmark pull and hook shots were executed with a flourish that earned admiration, though their impetuousness often betrayed him. Bashar’s ability to counterattack against pace on testing tracks made him a standout, particularly in Bangladesh’s early years in Test cricket. 

His performance in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test against India in Dhaka remains etched in memory. On a damp pitch, with Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan exploiting the conditions, Bashar’s gritty 70 became a template for Bangladeshi batsmen facing adversity. Yet, his career was not without its trials. A victim of erratic selection policies, Bashar’s path to success was marked by perseverance. The nickname “Mr Consistent” was not merely a testament to his runs but also to his ability to weather the turbulence of Bangladesh’s cricketing infancy. 

Ironically, while the captaincy elevated Bashar’s stature as a leader, it seemed to diminish his batting prowess. His signature strokes, though still present, rarely yielded the prolific returns of earlier years, adding a bittersweet note to his tenure. 

Milestones in Leadership

Bashar’s captaincy ushered in a period of milestones that elevated Bangladesh cricket from obscurity to recognition. In 2004, he led Bangladesh to their first overseas ODI win, defeating Zimbabwe, and later to a historic ODI victory over India in Dhaka. The following year saw Bangladesh claim their first Test and ODI series wins, again against Zimbabwe—a harbinger of their growing capability. 

The pinnacle of Bashar’s leadership came in 2005 when Bangladesh stunned cricketing powerhouse Australia in Cardiff during the NatWest Tri-Nation series. This victory was more than an upset; it was a declaration that Bangladesh could be a giant killer. Subsequent ODI series wins over Kenya and Zimbabwe in 2006 solidified their progress. 

The 2007 ICC World Cup remains Bashar’s crowning achievement. Under his guidance, Bangladesh delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable moments: a stunning victory over India in Trinidad that propelled them to the Super Eights while eliminating a formidable Indian side. A further triumph against South Africa cemented their status as a rising force in world cricket. 

The Decline and Controversy

The latter years of Bashar’s career, however, were marked by decline and controversy. Following a disappointing Test series against India in 2007, he was relieved of the captaincy, which passed to the mercurial Mohammad Ashraful. Bashar’s waning form, coupled with the emergence of younger players, signalled the end of his international career. 

In 2008, Bashar’s move to the Indian Cricket League (ICL) as captain of the Dhaka Warriors led to a ten-year ban from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. This chapter, though controversial, underscored the complexities faced by players navigating limited opportunities and a cricket board in flux. 

A New Role: Architect of the Future

Time, however, softened the edges of Bashar’s contentious exit. Welcomed back into the fold, he transitioned to a role as a national selector, tasked with shaping the future of Bangladesh cricket. In this capacity, Bashar has brought the same calm pragmatism that defined his playing and captaincy days, identifying and nurturing the next generation of talent. 

 Legacy and Reflection

Habibul Bashar’s legacy is not merely one of statistics or milestones but of transformation. He took a team that was often an afterthought in international cricket and imbued it with belief and direction. His leadership laid the foundation upon which Bangladesh cricket continues to build. 

As a player, captain, and now selector, Bashar’s contributions reflect a career defined by passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to his country’s cricketing aspirations. His story is a testament to the power of steady leadership in a sport often dictated by fleeting moments of brilliance. 

In the narrative of Bangladesh cricket, Habibul Bashar stands as a beacon of stability—a man who, through his courage and composure, guided his nation from promise to possibility, and from possibility to achievement.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Lesson Unlearned: Bangladesh’s Harare Debacle

 

Zimbabwe’s cricketing journey over the past two decades has been marked by turmoil and decline. Political interference in sports crippled the nation's cricketing infrastructure, draining it of the vitality and success that once made Zimbabwe a competitive force, particularly until 2003. By 2005, with the team in disarray, Zimbabwe took a self-imposed hiatus from Test cricket, aiming to rebuild from the ruins. Their slow resurgence, marked by grit and determination, has culminated in a symbolic return—one marked with a surprising triumph against Bangladesh in a one-off Test match in Harare.

On paper, Bangladesh were firm favourites. Unlike Zimbabwe, whose cricketing structures were still in recovery, Bangladesh entered the contest as a team buoyed by greater experience and recent successes. Over the years, the Tigers had grown into a respectable unit, often punching above their weight in limited-overs cricket. This Test match was supposed to be a routine affair—a formality that would reaffirm their ascendancy over a team that was still finding its footing in Test cricket.

Yet, as the events in Harare unfolded, it became clear that Bangladesh’s reputation and expectations were built on a fragile foundation. The very track that mimicked subcontinental pitches—ostensibly an advantage for the visitors—became the scene of Bangladesh’s undoing. The Tigers, instead of asserting dominance, crumbled with a disjointed performance that left fans bewildered and heartbroken.  

Disjointed Tactics and Leadership in Crisis  

One of the glaring failures in this debacle was the lack of tactical coherence. Bangladesh, despite having played in significantly more Test matches in recent years than Zimbabwe, seemed to approach the game without a clear plan. The pacers were erratic, spraying deliveries that rarely troubled the batters, while the spinners—traditionally Bangladesh's strength—were toothless and unimaginative. Zimbabwean batters, many with limited experience, found it far too easy to settle into a rhythm, taking advantage of a lacklustre bowling attack.  

At the heart of this tactical unravelling was Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s captain and most astute cricketer. Known for his aggressive mindset and shrewd field placements, Shakib appeared disconnected, as if weighed down by invisible burdens. His field settings were unusually passive, allowing Zimbabwe easy singles that steadily built their confidence. Shakib's body language betrayed frustration—a captain not only outmanoeuvred but seemingly disengaged from the task at hand.  

Batting without Purpose: A Familiar Tale of Woes  

However, the most disconcerting aspect of Bangladesh's collapse was how the batsmen approached the game. Time and again, their dismissals were reckless, a stark reminder of their persistent inability to adapt to the demands of Test cricket. Eleven years into their Test journey, Bangladesh’s batsmen have yet to embrace the discipline required for this format. Instead of occupying the crease, they were lured into playing loose strokes—an impetuousness more suited to T20 cricket than the patient grind of a Test match.  

This reckless batting reflects a deeper malaise within the team's preparation. Bangladesh seemed to have treated the Harare Test as an afterthought, and the lack of preparation was glaring. Test cricket demands patience, mental endurance, and adaptability—qualities that are honed through practice and long-format games. Yet, many of Bangladesh's leading players arrived with a mindset shaped by T20 cricket, prioritizing flashy strokes over solid technique. The adverse effects of this format shift were unmistakable.  

#### A Chronic Issue: Failure to Learn from Defeats  

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of this loss is that it is not an isolated incident. Time and again, Bangladesh has shown an alarming tendency to ignore the lessons from previous failures. Defeats do not seem to provoke introspection or spark meaningful change. The loss in Harare was not just a statistical blemish but a glaring indictment of a team still struggling to understand the essence of Test cricket.  

What makes this defeat particularly painful is the disparity in experience. Zimbabwe, a team still rebuilding and with far fewer resources, demonstrated greater focus and resilience—qualities that should have been hallmarks of the more seasoned Bangladeshi side. In cricket, as in life, preparation and intent matter more than reputation, and Zimbabwe’s victory is a testament to that simple truth.  

A Call for Accountability and Change  

In Test cricket, there is no room for complacency or half-measures. Success demands unwavering focus and collective responsibility, two attributes that were conspicuously absent from Bangladesh’s performance. The players' indifferent attitude toward this match reflects a deeper issue: an entrenched mindset that treats Test cricket as secondary to the more lucrative and glamorous shorter formats. Until this mindset shifts, Bangladesh will remain among Test cricket’s most disappointing students.  

If Bangladesh are to reverse this trajectory, they must reevaluate their approach to preparation and attitude toward Test cricket. The Harare loss should serve as a wake-up call—not just for the players but for the team management and cricketing authorities as well. It is not enough to excel in T20 and ODI formats; Test cricket demands a different skill set, one that can only be developed through sustained effort and the willingness to learn from every defeat.  

Cricket, like any other discipline, rewards those who respect its nuances. Bangladesh must now decide whether they are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to succeed in the longest format. If not, performances like the one in Harare will continue to haunt them, and they will remain a side of unfulfilled potential, forever searching for the breakthrough that eludes them.

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Dhoni’s Trials: A Captain in Crisis

The Indian cricket team finds itself navigating turbulent waters. Injuries have decimated the squad, depriving them of key personnel like Zaheer Khan, whose pace has often been India’s spearhead, and the formidable opening duo of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. This brittle core has exposed the batting line-up, with a lack of runs from some of the senior-most players compounding the problem. At the same time, Harbhajan Singh, the team’s primary spinner, has been a shadow of his former self, struggling to find rhythm in critical moments. Yet, it is the burden of leadership—borne by a faltering MS Dhoni—that casts the heaviest cloud over India’s campaign.  

A captain must inspire through deeds, not merely words. The essence of great leadership lies in conviction, imagination, and the ability to uplift a team even when personal form deserts him. Dhoni, unfortunately, appears burdened rather than emboldened by the armband. His recent outings with the bat betray a man searching for confidence. The numbers—5, 16, 28, 74, 5, 2, 16, and 0—tell a stark tale of inconsistency. In this difficult phase, the weight of expectation seems to have dulled the sharp edge of Dhoni's tactical mind, once known for its daring flair. His body language on the field is unsettling, betraying a man in retreat—disconnected from his role and unable to galvanize his side.  

In stark contrast stands Matt Prior, Dhoni's English counterpart behind the stumps. Batting at the same critical No. 7 spot, Prior has crafted defining innings that breathe life into England’s performances. His batting has steadied the ship and served as a rallying cry for the team, lifting them at key moments. Though no batting titan of late, Dhoni’s counterpart, Andrew Strauss demonstrates that captaincy is about personal form and inspiring collective excellence. Where Strauss compensates for his lean spell with bold and imaginative decision-making, Dhoni’s leadership has grown hesitant—his responses reactive rather than proactive.  

The third day of the match offers a microcosm of Dhoni’s misjudgments. Although the pitch became more benign as the day wore on, Dhoni’s decision-making faltered when it mattered most. His persistence with an off-color Harbhajan Singh, who toiled through an uninspired afternoon session, typified a leadership style increasingly devoid of spark or adaptability. It was a lesson in squandered opportunities, a reminder that strategic acumen is often the difference between merely participating in a contest and seizing it.  

All athletes face lean patches; it is how they confront them that defines their legacy. Dhoni stands at a crossroads where he must seek counsel from those who understand the nuances of leading through adversity. In moments like these, there are few minds more qualified to offer wisdom than Imran Khan. As a cricketer and captain, Imran’s genius lay not only in his personal brilliance but in his unmatched ability to bring out the best in his team, especially under pressure. His leadership was not born of tactical rigidity but of intuition, clarity, and emotional intelligence—qualities Dhoni, too, must rediscover.  

Dhoni’s record as India’s most successful captain cannot be erased by a few troubled months. However, greatness lies not in resting on past laurels but in adapting, evolving, and reclaiming lost ground. A conversation with a cerebral leader like Imran could provide Dhoni with the clarity and rejuvenation he needs—not just to regain form but to reawaken the leader within. After all, captaincy is not merely a role; it is an ethos, a philosophy that demands the captain remain the team's most unyielding optimist, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Dhoni must now decide—will he allow this phase to define him, or will he redefine it through the strength of his resolve?  

Time is running out, and the onus lies squarely on Dhoni’s shoulders. In cricket, as in life, the greatest captains are not those who avoid storms but those who navigate through them with unflinching purpose. The path to redemption is not easy, but it is still within Dhoni’s grasp—if only he is willing to seize it.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

The art of swing and the Relentlessness of Pace: A Deep Dive into Fast Bowling

In the ongoing Test series between England and India, an intriguing conversation on swing bowling emerged in the commentary box. Nasser Hussain, former England captain and now an accomplished commentator, referenced the findings of a NASA scientist to challenge conventional cricketing wisdom. Hussain argued that swing bowling has less to do with atmospheric conditions and more with the state of the ball and precise seam positioning. His remarks, though met with scepticism by some of his colleagues, weren’t without merit.  

To those familiar with the nuance of fast bowling, it is evident that the greatest exponents of swing have always relied more on skill than environmental advantages. Cricket legends like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis demonstrated an ability to move the ball on any surface—be it bone-dry, green, or flat tracks known for favouring batsmen. When asked how he managed to generate swing even on dead pitches, Wasim Akram famously replied, “Everything comes from the wrist,” with his trademark smile. This statement encapsulates the essence of mastering the art: swing is a craft honed through precision, wrist position, and control, not a gift handed down by the weather gods.  

The Science of Swing: Beyond the Atmosphere  

While cloud cover and humid conditions can aid swing to an extent, they serve merely as enablers. Without technical finesse, these conditions are rendered futile. A bowler’s wrist position, seam alignment, and ability to maintain the ball's condition dictate whether the ball swings prodigiously or remains a gentle drifter. Nasser Hussain’s emphasis on the ball and seam control underscores the point: swing bowling is rooted in technique, not serendipity.  

Indeed, the careers of fast-bowling maestros illustrate this vividly. Imran, Wasim, and Waqar wielded swing like a weapon, defying even the most challenging conditions. They relied on control, guile, and relentless skill—making swing bowling less a matter of luck and more an art form. Similarly, on rank turners and flat decks, they found ways to move the ball, proving that swing isn’t merely an outcome of pitch or weather but of mastery and preparation.

When Pace Outmatches Swing  

Even though swing troubles many a batsman, raw pace often proves far more unsettling. Harsha Bhogle captured this in a tweet from July 29, 2011, stating, "With Sreesanth and Praveen Kumar, the tradition of swing bowling is alive. It is movement, not pace, that troubles quality batsmen."

While movement does pose challenges, pace leaves less room for batsmen to respond. The elite of the game may eventually adjust to swing, but sustained high-speed deliveries—clocking upwards of 90-100 mph—turn even the most accomplished players into mere survivors. When combined with swing, as seen in the careers of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, pace becomes a nightmare to counter.  

Instances of this lethal combination abound in cricketing history. At Karachi in 1982-83, Imran Khan unleashed sheer pace on a dead track, rattling the Indian batsmen. Likewise, the West Indian pace quartet—Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, and Andy Roberts—relied heavily on speed, breaking the will of opposition batters regardless of the pitch or conditions. More recently, Dale Steyn’s brutal spell at Nagpur subdued the Indian batting lineup, including Sachin Tendulkar, not with swing but raw pace and aggression. In such moments, technique alone is insufficient—batting becomes a battle of survival.

How to Counter Swing and Pace  

Swing, while formidable, can be neutralized by sound batting technique. Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman provided a masterclass in doing just that. By positioning themselves *beside the line* of the ball instead of merely getting behind it, they negated the lateral movement, playing the ball comfortably even under challenging conditions. Though the English bowlers extracted movement, their inability to generate express pace made it easier for Dravid and Laxman to dominate the crease.  

On the other hand, pace forces a completely different response from batsmen. There is no luxury of time to adjust to express deliveries. Sreesanth’s spell at Trent Bridge exemplified this interplay of pace and swing—his ability to generate both left the English batsmen visibly unsettled. In a similar vein, Stuart Broad’s devastating spell in the same series combined pace and movement to dismantle India’s batting lineup.  

Pace and swing, when paired, become a formidable weapon. The venom lies in unpredictability—Wasim Akram’s late in-swingers delivered at high speed, or Waqar Younis’s toe-crushers that swung in just before impact, left even the best of Brian Lara and Steve Waugh struggling for answers. Swing bowling alone may be manageable, but add raw speed, and even seasoned campaigners falter.  

The Eternal Debate of Speed vs. Swing  

The debate between swing and pace is an age-old one. Both are essential facets of fast bowling, but the real magic lies in the bowler’s ability to blend them seamlessly. A bowler armed with pace can create fear; one armed with swing can induce confusion. However, it is those rare bowlers who can combine the two—like Imran, Wasim, or Dale Steyn—that leave an indelible mark on the game.  

While atmospheric conditions can nudge the ball into swing, it is the bowler’s skill and mastery over seam and wrist position that determine its potency. Likewise, pace—unforgiving and relentless—remains the ultimate challenge for batsmen, where even the slightest mistake can be catastrophic. As history shows, those who conquer both pace and swing ascend to greatness, while those who falter are left in their wake.  

In cricket, as in life, mastery lies not in relying on external factors but in honing one’s craft, shaping every delivery with precision, and delivering it with purpose—rain or shine, swing or speed.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A tale of swing, strategy, and setbacks at Lord’s

The 2000th Test match, staged at the hallowed turf of Lord’s, served as both a triumph of tradition and a vivid reminder of the intricacies that Test cricket still demands from its practitioners. It ended with a deserved victory for England, but the five-day spectacle was a celebration of cricket in its purest form—rich with swing, strategy, and subtle moments of brilliance.  

The Renaissance of Swing

In an era dominated by white-ball pyrotechnics, the subtle art of swing bowling is becoming a rarity. Bowlers, burdened by the need for economy in T20 cricket, rarely persist with the patient arc of the red ball that deceives batsmen in flight. Yet, at Lord’s, swing returned with full force, proving that the old charms of Test cricket endure. 

English bowlers, especially Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad, initially relied on bounce against Sri Lanka in previous encounters, but they shifted gears to exploit the overcast conditions and greener surface against India. The true star, however, was James Anderson, whose ability to mix pace and prodigious swing dismantled the Indian batting lineup in the fourth innings. Anderson’s performance was reminiscent of vintage swing artistry—deceptively simple, yet devastating in effect.  

On the other side, India’s new-ball pair also made their presence felt. Ishant Sharma delivered one of the most gripping spells seen at Lord’s in years, pitching the ball fuller than usual and shaping it both ways. His spell on the fourth morning raised hopes of an improbable comeback. Yet, the timing of his reintroduction after lunch—belated and tactically flawed—allowed England to reclaim the momentum. Ishant’s brilliance flickered, but it was a classic case of opportunity squandered.  

Praveen Kumar, making his debut at Lord’s, etched his name onto the famous Honours Board with a five-wicket haul. His mastery of swing was evident, but a lack of pace made his deliveries easier to negotiate for the English batsmen. Kumar stands at the crossroads: a few more yards of pace could transform him from a skilful artisan to a lethal craftsman.  

The Burden of Captaincy and Lost Opportunities

Leadership in cricket is not merely about tactics; it is about seizing the pivotal moments. On this front, Mahendra Singh Dhoni faltered. His captaincy, typically calm under pressure, seemed uninspired in the face of adversity. It is said that great teams defy circumstances, yet Dhoni’s men were quick to offer explanations—Zaheer Khan’s hamstring injury, Tendulkar’s viral fever, and Gambhir’s on-field setback. 

History, however, remembers captains who rise above setbacks. One is reminded of Imran Khan’s heroic stand in Adelaide during the 1989-90 series against Australia. With Pakistan reeling at seven for three and their stalwarts injured, Imran shepherded the young Wasim Akram to force a draw from the jaws of defeat. Such mental toughness separates ordinary leaders from the extraordinary. Dhoni, on this occasion, lacked that spark—both with the bat and behind the stumps, where his keeping was unusually erratic. 

In stark contrast, Matt Prior emerged as England’s hero. His century in the second innings not only rescued England but stamped his authority as one of the finest wicketkeeper-batsmen of the modern era. His glovework was impeccable, offering a sharp contrast to Dhoni’s struggles.  

Missed Selections and Tactical Blunders

India’s tactical decisions throughout the match were puzzling, if not downright baffling. Yuvraj Singh, with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, was overlooked in favor of Abhinav Mukund. Yuvraj’s left-arm spin might have posed challenges to Kevin Pietersen, who went on to amass a double century, earning the Man of the Match award. Pietersen’s struggles against slow left-arm bowling are well-documented, making the omission of Yuvraj a glaring oversight. 

Similarly, India’s continued reliance on the out-of-form Harbhajan Singh raised eyebrows. On a surface that offered bounce, Amit Mishra’s leg-spin could have troubled the English batsmen, especially given their historical discomfort against wrist-spin. Yet, Mishra remained on the sidelines as Harbhajan toiled without impact.  

England’s Ascendancy and the Promise of Greatness

England’s victory was not just a win on the scoreboard—it was a statement of intent. Their lineup, an ideal blend of youth and experience, worked in unison to dismantle the No. 1 Test side. Kevin Pietersen’s masterclass with the bat set the tone, while the trio of Broad, Tremlett, and Anderson executed their roles with ruthless precision. 

This England side carries the promise of ascending to the pinnacle of Test cricket. Their unity, discipline, and adaptability are traits of a champion team in the making.  

A Triumph for Test Cricket

  

The greatest victory at Lord’s, however, was not England’s—it was Test cricket’s. A packed house on all five days, with thousands of fans clamouring to get in, reaffirmed that the format is alive and thriving. In an age where cricket’s shortest form often overshadows its longest, this match was a reminder of the drama and depth only Test cricket can provide. 

The contest at Lord’s was a tale of resurgence and resistance, of missed chances and fulfilled potential. It left lovers of the game with a renewed belief: as long as the red ball swings and the game’s subtleties are respected, Test cricket will continue to enchant.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar