Pale Bangladesh At Indore

In the twilight hours of the opening day at Indore, Abu Jayed brought a flicker of defiance to a Bangladeshi side beleaguered by an Indian juggernaut. His spirited spell of full-length deliveries outside off-stump was reminiscent of the grit Bangladesh fans have admired since 2015. While the Indian pacers had earlier dismantled Bangladesh’s batting with clinical precision, Jayed ensured the day ended with a reminder of the fight within the Tigers. His rhythm and determination carried into the second day, where he scalped the prized wickets of Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane. 

Yet, Jayed’s efforts were tinged with what could have been. Had Imrul Kayes not dropped Mayank Agarwal in the slips on the first evening, Jayed might have celebrated a five-wicket haul. Instead, Agarwal went on to craft a monumental double century, turning the match into an extended Indian exhibition. 

India’s batting was relentless, almost cavalier, as they toyed with the Bangladeshi bowlers. The contrast was stark and painful: Bangladesh had crumbled for a mere 150 in their first innings, and now they bore the brunt of a masterclass in batting dominance. For the fans, it was a wound salted with every boundary and six. Yet, amidst the carnage, Abu Jayed symbolized a rare resistance—a fighting spirit desperately needed from his more seasoned teammates.

A Familiar Script Replayed

Realistically, few expected Bangladesh to topple this formidable Indian side, undefeated at home and brimming with talent. Yet, after 19 years in Test cricket, punctuated by sporadic signs of growth in the longer format, a spirited display was not an unreasonable expectation. Instead, the proceedings at Indore evoked memories of the early 2000s—a time when Bangladesh’s innings defeats were all too frequent. 

While the absence of stalwarts like Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan was significant, the onus fell on the experienced core of Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Imrul Kayes. These players, seasoned in the rigours of Test cricket, were expected to shoulder the burden and show resilience. Yet, their collective failure highlighted the team’s struggles to sustain the fight against adversity.

The Art of Survival: Lessons Unlearned

The Indian bowling unit operates like a well-oiled machine, relentlessly probing and exploiting every chink in the opposition’s armour. Countering such precision demands discipline, patience, and resolve—qualities Bangladesh sorely lacked. Technical deficiencies can be mitigated through mental fortitude, yet Bangladesh’s batters repeatedly succumbed to lapses in focus.

Imrul Kayes, after displaying early resilience, succumbed to an injudicious jab at a length ball, gifting his wicket cheaply. Mominul Haque, who had looked assured, inexplicably shouldered arms to a straighter delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin. Mahmudullah, too, fell to a tame sweep attempt, his middle stump rattled by another Ashwin gem. Such dismissals underscored a collective mental fragility rather than being outdone by moments of brilliance.

The second innings mirrored the first. Mushfiqur Rahim’s lone effort offered some respectability, but individual fifties or cameos cannot rescue a Test match. In the five-day format, it is centuries and sustained partnerships that turn the tide. 

A Forgotten Temperament

Not long ago, Bangladesh showcased the temperament required for Test cricket. Their historic win in Colombo against Sri Lanka under Chandika Hathurusingha’s tutelage was a testament to grit and perseverance. What has since eroded that fighting spirit? How has a team that once rose under pressure now regressed to a state of meek surrender in whites?

The answers to these questions are critical, for the gap between potential and performance grows wider. The Bangladesh Cricket Board must introspect and address the systemic issues plaguing the Test setup. Without a concerted effort to revive the lost temperament, Bangladesh risks falling further into mediocrity.

Conclusion: A Call for Introspection

Abu Jayed’s efforts at Indore were a rare beacon of hope in an otherwise dismal Test match. Yet, one man’s fight is insufficient in a team sport. Bangladesh’s journey in Test cricket, spanning nearly two decades, demands more than fleeting moments of brilliance. It calls for resilience, focus, and the ability to learn from past mistakes. 

As the dust settles on another crushing defeat, the hierarchy must act decisively. The time to merely hope for improvement is over. The Tigers must roar again—not in fleeting spells but with sustained vigour that earns them the respect and recognition they so deeply crave. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Suspension of Shakib Al Hasan: No One Tried To Destroy Him

The suspension of Shakib Al Hasan in 2019 came as a tremor, shaking the foundations of Bangladesh’s cricketing landscape. As the nation’s most celebrated and versatile cricketer, Shakib embodied the hopes and dreams of millions. 

However, in October 2019, when the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed him a two-year ban (with one year suspended) for failing to report corrupt approaches, the cricketing fraternity in Bangladesh was thrust into a moment of deep reflection. This event not only tested Shakib’s character but also exposed the vulnerabilities within the country’s administrative and ethical framework for sports.

The Narrative of a Fallen Hero

Shakib’s story until that point was nothing short of legendary. A cricketer who could single-handedly change the course of a match with his bat, ball, and brilliant cricketing mind, he was the quintessential sports hero for Bangladesh. His achievements on the field were immense—by 2019, he had established himself as one of the world’s premier all-rounders, with records that placed him among cricket’s elites. His performances in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer, only solidified his status.

Yet, as is the case with many heroes, Shakib’s story took a tragic turn. His failure to report corrupt approaches by bookies—though he did not participate in match-fixing—was an oversight that carried massive consequences. In a sport that hinges on trust, even a perceived lapse in integrity can lead to swift and severe punishment. And thus, Shakib, the hero, was momentarily dethroned, his halo of invincibility dimmed. The suspension struck at the heart of Bangladesh’s cricketing ethos, questioning not just Shakib’s actions, but the systemic gaps in education and oversight that allowed such a situation to unfold.

The Anatomy of the Ban: ICC's Rationale

The ICC’s anti-corruption code is designed to preserve the sanctity of cricket. Shakib’s crime was not involvement in match-fixing, but in neglecting to report three approaches from bookies, something the governing body strictly mandates. The failure to report such approaches is considered a serious violation, as it threatens the sport’s integrity by allowing external influences to potentially manipulate players. In Shakib’s case, the ICC acknowledged his cooperation in the investigation, which resulted in a reduced suspension—one year out of cricket and another suspended, conditional upon his future conduct.

For Shakib, and by extension, for Bangladesh cricket, this was not just a matter of breaking a rule; it was about setting an example. The ICC’s decision underscored the importance of vigilance and personal responsibility, particularly for players of Shakib’s stature. In the modern cricketing world, where corruption lurks in the shadows, even the greatest of athletes are not immune to the temptations and pitfalls that come with fame and influence.

A Nation's Grief: Public Reaction and Emotional Fallout

For Bangladesh, the suspension of Shakib felt like the loss of a family member. Cricket, in this country, is more than just a sport—it is an expression of national pride, a unifying force that cuts across class, region, and age. Shakib, being its brightest star, was not merely a player but a symbol of Bangladesh’s potential on the global stage. His fall from grace was a national heartbreak, and the reactions reflected a mix of shock, disappointment, and a deep sense of betrayal.

In the streets of Dhaka, fans initially struggled to comprehend how their hero could be ensnared in such controversy. Social media platforms became battlegrounds of debate—some offering unconditional support to Shakib, others condemning his actions, and many blaming the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for not doing enough to protect and educate players about corruption. The atmosphere was charged with both anger and sorrow as if the very soul of Bangladesh cricket had been wounded.

The Ethical Quandary: Should Talent Override Accountability?

Shakib’s suspension also brought into sharp focus a perennial dilemma in sports: how should authorities balance talent and accountability? As Bangladesh’s most iconic player, many argued that his punishment was too harsh, given the fact that he did not engage in match-fixing. Others believed that no player, no matter how gifted, should be above the law. In a nation where cricket is akin to religion, this debate took on a moral dimension—can Bangladesh cricket afford to lose a player like Shakib? But more crucially, can it afford to let ethical lapses go unchecked?

This ethical conundrum extended beyond Shakib himself. His suspension highlighted the need for stronger internal controls and education programs within the BCB. While Shakib was held accountable for his own decisions, the incident exposed the administrative and cultural shortcomings that allowed a player of his stature to fall through the cracks of anti-corruption measures.

The suspension of Shakib Al Hasan in 2019 is not just a personal setback for the player; it was a moment of reckoning for Bangladesh cricket. 

It forced the nation to confront the uncomfortable realities of corruption, oversight, and the pressures of modern sport. 

For Shakib, it was a chapter of personal failure and redemption, but for Bangladesh, it was a reminder that even in moments of great success, vigilance and integrity must never be compromised.

The suspension altered the public’s perception of Shakib, and perhaps even his own self-perception. While he continues to be one of the greatest cricketers Bangladesh has ever produced, the incident serves as a reminder that no one is infallible. 

Cricket, like life, is a game of second chances, but it is also a game that demands accountability.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

The Steve Smith Odyssey: A Symphony of Grit and Genius

Under the leaden skies of Birmingham, where the air hung heavy with expectation and animosity, Steve Smith orchestrated an innings that will be etched into Ashes folklore. It was not merely an act of batting brilliance but a transformative performance—a testimony to the unyielding spirit of a cricketer who thrives in adversity. His 144 out of Australia’s 284 was a masterpiece, a blend of technical mastery and psychological resilience that turned the tide of a match, and perhaps a series, against an England side that had every reason to feel buoyant.

The Theatre of Boo and Brilliance

The Edgbaston crowd, notoriously partisan and unforgiving, became an unwitting participant in Smith’s narrative. They booed him out; they booed him back in. And then again. And again. By the time Smith sprinted off the field during a rain delay, only to return moments later as Aleem Dar ceremoniously removed the covers, the atmosphere had morphed into something surreal.

An hour later, as Smith reached his hundred with a crisp cover drive off Ben Stokes—a stroke so pure it seemed to slice through the gloom—the jeers gave way to reluctant applause. It was a moment of grudging admiration, a collective acknowledgment that they were witnessing something extraordinary. Smith had not merely silenced his critics; he had forced them to reconsider their animosity.

The Art of Adaptation

England’s bowlers, for all their planning and preparation, found themselves confounded by Smith’s impenetrable technique and unorthodox style. They probed his weaknesses—real and imagined—with the new ball and the old, yet Smith stood resolute. He maneuvered the strike with surgical precision, forcing Joe Root to shuffle his field like a desperate gambler trying to change his luck.

Smith’s genius lies in his ability to adapt. In the first innings, he absorbed pressure, building partnerships and anchoring the innings. In the second, he attacked with controlled aggression, reaching another century that underscored his insatiable appetite for runs. His dismissal, late in the innings, came only after he had placed Australia in a position of strength, a hallmark of the greats who rise to the occasion when their team needs them most.

From Redemption to Resurgence

The temptation to frame Smith’s performance as a redemption arc is understandable but reductive. Yes, the shadow of the ball-tampering scandal loomed large, and his year-long ban was a humbling experience. But this was not a narrative of atonement; it was a story of resurgence. Smith did not return to reclaim lost honor—he returned to assert his dominance, to remind the cricketing world of his unparalleled ability.

One year out of the game had not dulled his edge; it had sharpened his resolve. The Steve Smith of 2019 was a more complete cricketer: technically refined, mentally fortified, and, perhaps most importantly, unshackled by the burden of public opinion.

The Two Steves: A Legacy of Grit

Smith’s heroics evoke memories of another Australian Steve—Steve Waugh. The parallels are striking. Both men have an uncanny ability to rise in moments of crisis, to shoulder the weight of expectation and deliver under the most trying circumstances.

Waugh’s twin hundreds at Old Trafford in 1997 remain one of the most iconic performances in Ashes history. On a treacherous wicket, with Australia trailing in the series, Waugh stood tall, defying England’s bowlers and the conditions. Smith’s twin centuries at Edgbaston echo that same spirit of defiance, a reminder that the legacy of Australian cricket is built on such acts of resilience.

Numbers That Speak Volumes

Smith’s aggregate of 774 runs in the 2019 Ashes is the fifth-highest in the series’ storied history. Yet, the raw numbers only tell part of the story. In a series characterized by low scores, Smith’s contribution was monumental. He accounted for 35.5% of Australia’s runs—a feat matched only by Don Bradman in 1930.

Against Stuart Broad, Smith scored 193 runs at a strike rate of 71, falling to him twice. Against Jofra Archer, his strike rate dropped to 57.3, but Archer, despite his ferocious pace and hostility, could not dismiss him in 164 deliveries. Smith’s control percentage—85.7%—was the highest of the series, a testament to his ability to minimize risk while maximizing output.

The Mime Artist of Mastery

Smith’s batting is as much a spectacle as it is a science. His post-delivery antics—gesturing, shadow batting, and mimicking shots—are a form of performance art. They offer a glimpse into the mind of a batsman who is constantly analyzing, adjusting, and refining. To the England bowlers, these gestures are a tormenting reminder of their inability to break through his defenses. To his teammates, they are a source of reassurance, a visual cue that the man they rely on is in complete control.

Greatness Redefined

Greatness in cricket is a subjective construct, shaped by the biases and preferences of fans. For Sachin Tendulkar’s admirers, it is about artistry and consistency. For Brian Lara’s followers, it is about flair and audacity. For those who revere Steve Waugh, it is about grit and impact.

Smith’s greatness transcends these definitions. He is not conventionally beautiful to watch, but his brilliance is undeniable. His ability to deliver under pressure, to adapt to conditions and opponents, and to dominate the best bowlers in the world places him among the game’s elite.

The Journey Ahead

At Old Trafford, Smith’s double hundred was a tour de force, a performance that squeezed the life out of England’s bowlers and sealed Australia’s dominance. Yet, for all his achievements, one senses that Smith’s journey is far from over. The hunger that drives him, the meticulousness that defines him, and the resilience that sustains him suggest that the best may still be to come.

The Steve Smith of this era carries the torch of the Steve Waugh of the 1990s. Both are symbols of Australian cricket’s enduring spirit, men who thrive in adversity and elevate their teams through sheer force of will.

For those who witnessed it, the 2019 Ashes was more than a series—it was a stage for a master to perform his symphony. And in Steve Smith, we found a maestro who turned adversity into art, who transformed boos into applause, and who reminded us all why we love this game.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

A Summer to Remember: England Salvage Pride in the Final Ashes Test

The 2019 Ashes ended not with a definitive victor but with a shared 2-2 series result, a fitting conclusion to a summer of thrilling Test cricket. While Australia retained the urn, England’s commanding 135-run victory at The Oval ensured the series ended on a high note for the hosts, salvaging pride after their earlier struggles. This series, defined by individual brilliance and collective resilience, will be remembered as one of the most captivating in recent memory.

England’s Redemption at The Oval

The final Test was less about reclaiming the Ashes and more about restoring England's dignity after their Manchester defeat. Tim Paine's decision to bowl first raised eyebrows, and while Australia initially capitalized with Mitchell Marsh’s remarkable 4 for 35, England clawed their way back. Jos Buttler, with his one-day flair, rescued England from a precarious 226 for 8 to a respectable first-innings total of 294.

Buttler’s counterattack, including two majestic straight sixes off Josh Hazlewood, was a reminder of his immense value in pressure situations. Alongside Jack Leach, he added 68 runs for the ninth wicket, a partnership that underscored England’s fighting spirit.

Archer’s Masterclass and Curran’s Spark

Australia’s response began shakily, with their openers failing once again. Jofra Archer, England’s revelation of the series, delivered a scintillating spell, claiming 6 for 62. His duel with Marnus Labuschagne was a highlight, culminating in Labuschagne’s dismissal via a pinpoint lbw. Archer’s slower ball to remove Nathan Lyon and a spectacular gully catch by Rory Burns wrapped up Australia’s innings for 225, giving England a vital lead.

Sam Curran, playing his first Test of the series, added a new dimension to England’s attack. His left-arm swing accounted for key wickets, including a devastating post-tea spell that removed Tim Paine and Pat Cummins in consecutive deliveries. Curran’s knack for delivering in crucial moments continues to raise questions about his long-term role in the team, but his impact in this match was undeniable.

England’s Batting Resurgence

England’s second innings was anchored by Joe Denly, fresh from the birth of his daughter, and Ben Stokes. Their 127-run partnership laid the foundation for a commanding lead. Denly’s assured 94 was his best performance of the series, while Stokes continued to demonstrate his value as a world-class all-rounder.

Jos Buttler added the finishing touches with another aggressive knock, propelling England to a lead of 382. Australia’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, toiled hard but lacked the cutting edge to derail England’s momentum.

The Final Day: England Seal the Series Draw

Set a daunting target of 399, Australia’s chase began with familiar struggles. Stuart Broad, the tormentor of David Warner throughout the series, dismissed the opener for the seventh time. Broad’s plan to dismiss Steven Smith, catching him at leg gully, was a triumph of persistence and strategy. Smith’s dismissal for 23—the first time in the series he failed to reach fifty—was the moment England truly believed victory was within reach.

Matthew Wade, however, refused to go quietly. His gritty century, laced with defiance and audacity, kept Australia’s hopes alive. His enthralling duel with Archer, who touched 95 mph during a fiery spell, epitomized the intensity of the series. Yet Wade’s efforts were in vain as wickets fell around him. Jack Leach’s controlled left-arm spin and Joe Root’s timely breakthroughs ensured Australia’s resistance was short-lived.

A Series To Remember 

The 2019 Ashes was a series of contrasts: Australia’s retention of the urn, thanks largely to Steven Smith’s Bradmanesque dominance, and England’s spirited fightbacks, epitomized by Stokes’ miracle at Headingley. The drawn series, the first since 1972, reflected the evenly matched nature of the contest.

For England, the final Test was about redemption and resilience. For Australia, it was a missed opportunity to claim an outright series win on English soil for the first time in 18 years. Both teams showcased moments of brilliance and frailty, leaving fans with memories to cherish and lessons to ponder.

As the curtain fell on a remarkable summer, one truth stood out: Test cricket, with all its drama, skill, and unpredictability, remains the pinnacle of the sport.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Afghanistan’s Triumph and Bangladesh’s Test Cricket Dilemma

Afghanistan, a team still in the infancy of their Test journey, achieved a historic victory in Chattogram, defeating Bangladesh by 224 runs in a rain-affected match. The triumph was not just a testament to Afghanistan's growth but also a glaring indictment of Bangladesh's regression in the longest format.

For Afghanistan, this was only their third Test match, yet they played with a poise and determination that belied their inexperience. For Bangladesh, with nearly two decades of Test cricket under their belt, the defeat was a sobering reminder of their stagnation and lack of commitment to the format.

The Decay of Bangladesh’s Test Aspirations

It is tempting to revisit Bangladesh's history in Test cricket to search for silver linings, but the harsh truth is that their progress has been alarmingly inconsistent. The spirited performances under Chandika Hathurusingha and, to some extent, Steve Rhodes, now feel like distant memories. This defeat underscores a deeper malaise: a lack of passion and purpose in the longer format.

The body language of the players was telling. There was no sense of urgency, no visible hunger to grind out results. Test cricket, once seen as the gateway to respectability in international cricket, now seems like an afterthought for Bangladesh.

If the ICC ever enforces a two-tier system in Test cricket, Bangladesh’s place in the elite group would be under serious threat. This loss, against a team with far fewer resources and experience, serves as a dire warning.

The Final Session: A Microcosm of the Match

The match, disrupted by rain, was delicately poised heading into the final session. Bangladesh needed to survive just one hour—a seemingly straightforward task for a team that has shown glimpses of competence in the five-day format. Instead, they crumbled spectacularly.

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain and most experienced player, fell to a reckless cut shot off the first ball after the restart. It was a moment that encapsulated Bangladesh’s lack of discipline and poor decision-making under pressure.

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s prodigious captain, then took center stage. He trapped Mehidy Hasan lbw with a delivery that demanded precise footwork—something the Bangladeshi batsman failed to produce. Rashid completed his 10-wicket haul by dismissing Taijul Islam, becoming the first player to achieve the feat while also scoring a fifty on captaincy debut.

The final blow came when Soumya Sarkar was caught at short leg, handing Afghanistan a victory that will be etched in their cricketing folklore.

Afghanistan: A Story of Resilience

Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite limited resources and a tumultuous political backdrop, they have consistently punched above their weight. Their success in Chattogram was not an accident but the result of meticulous planning and hard work.

The Afghanistan A team’s tour of Bangladesh earlier in the year was a pivotal learning experience. They dominated the unofficial Test series and used that knowledge to exploit Bangladesh’s weaknesses. Rashid Khan’s leadership and the interim guidance of Andy Moles were instrumental in translating those lessons into a memorable victory.

Questions for Bangladesh

While Afghanistan celebrated with a victory lap, Bangladesh were left to introspect. The defeat exposed glaring flaws in their strategy and mindset.

The decision to field an all-spin attack on a track that offered variable assistance was baffling. Equally perplexing was the lack of resilience shown by the batsmen on the final day. If a team cannot survive an hour under pressure, their credibility in Test cricket must be questioned.

The Way Forward

Blame games and excuses will not suffice. Bangladesh must decide whether they truly value Test cricket. If they do, then a complete overhaul is needed—from player commitment to coaching strategies and administrative vision.

Test cricket is unforgiving, rewarding only those who respect its demands. Afghanistan’s victory is a shining example of what dedication and preparation can achieve. For Bangladesh, it is a wake-up call they can no longer afford to ignore.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar