The Curious Case of Bangladesh’s Test Squad: Fortune, Misfortune, and Redemption

The announcement of Bangladesh's Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour sparked intrigue, not just for the names included but also for those conspicuously absent. Among the talking points was the initial omission of Marshall Ayub, a domestic stalwart whose prolific performances seemed deserving of national recognition. For years, Marshall had embodied the grind of first-class cricket, occupying the crease with a patience rarely seen and amassing runs with metronomic consistency. Yet, despite proving his mettle time and again, the selectors—led by Akram Khan—chose to look past him. His exclusion felt like a puzzling oversight in a selection process that has historically baffled fans.   

The irony, however, was swift and unexpected. A day after the squad announcement, fate smiled upon Marshall Ayuv. Naeem Islam suffered an untimely injury, opening the door for Marshall to slip into the national setup. Just as serendipity lifted one deserving candidate, it betrayed another—Enamul Haque Jr. The left-arm spinner, who had similarly earned his call-up on the back of first-class excellence, was ruled out after injuring himself in the nets, paving the way for Elias Sunny. For Enamul, the timing couldn’t have been more unfortunate; in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, he was primed to shoulder the spin-bowling responsibilities. Instead, Bangladesh cricket was forced to make do without two of its best spinning options.  

The Redemption Arc of Mohammad Ashraful

Yet, amidst these twists of fortune and misfortune, one name rekindled old debates and raised eyebrows: Mohammad Ashraful. Once celebrated as Bangladesh cricket's prodigy, Ashraful’s career has been the very definition of a meteoric rise followed by an agonizing decline. The teenage sensation who stunned the cricketing world with a debut century against Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas in Sri Lanka in 2001 found himself back in the squad—12 years and many disappointments later. His return came at the expense of Shahriar Nafees, another unfortunate casualty of injury.  

Ashraful’s journey has been one of fleeting brilliance and chronic inconsistency. His spectacular hundred against Australia at Cardiff in 2005 and the pivotal 87 against South Africa in the 2007 World Cup hinted at a talent capable of greatness. 

Yet, for every glimpse of his genius, countless failures eroded the selectors' faith. In an era when consistency is prized, Ashraful’s career became a frustrating tale of what might have been—a promise that never quite materialized.  

Talent versus Discipline: A Personal Struggle

If there is a single culprit behind Ashraful’s fall from grace, it is the man himself. He was a paradox—blessed with immense natural ability but plagued by an apparent reluctance to nurture it. Where others embraced the hard grind necessary to succeed at the highest level, Ashraful's approach was often marked by indifference. Talent alone, as history has repeatedly shown, is rarely enough. It demands structure, discipline, and an insatiable drive to continuously evolve. In these aspects, Ashraful faltered. His failures were not solely on the field but in his mindset, where complacency seemed to stifle his potential.   

Bangladesh cricket, however, has long since moved on. The emergence of players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Nasir Hossain ushered in a new era, one that no longer relied on Ashraful’s sporadic brilliance. He became a relic of the past—an echo of what the team once needed but no longer desired. Yet, in a twist that could rival any redemption arc, destiny has handed him one last opportunity to revive his career. His recent form in domestic cricket, though not extraordinary, was enough to catch the selectors' attention when injuries forced them to look beyond their original choices.  

The Question of Legacy: A Final Chance at Redemption

This return to the Test squad presents Ashraful with more than just a chance to play—it offers him the opportunity to reshape his legacy. He stands at a crossroads: either redeem himself with a newfound maturity or reaffirm the narrative of wasted talent that has shadowed his career. The setting couldn’t be more symbolic—Sri Lanka, the same place where he first announced himself to the world as a 16-year-old wonder.  

If Ashraful has learned anything from the years of inconsistency and criticism, now is the time to show it. Bangladesh cricket no longer hinges on him, but that may be a blessing in disguise. Freed from the weight of expectation, he can rediscover the joy of batting without the burden of being the team’s sole hope. It is rare for players to get a second—or in his case, perhaps a third—chance at redemption. The question is: Will Ashraful seize this opportunity, or will he leave fans lamenting yet another squandered gift?

As the Test series against Sri Lanka looms, all eyes will be on Ashraful. Will this be the moment we witness a rejuvenated Ashraful—one who has finally reconciled talent with discipline—or will it be another chapter in the bittersweet saga of a player who never quite fulfilled his potential? For now, the script remains unwritten, and it is Ashraful alone who holds the pen.

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Masterclass Under Pressure: Sachin Tendulkar’s Adventure at Centurion

In the landscape of cricket, where legends come and go, few players have crafted as compelling an aura as Sachin Tendulkar. His career, spanning over two decades, is adorned with 49 ODI centuries and 96 half-centuries—each one a display of technical mastery and mental fortitude. Among these remarkable innings, one stands out for its sheer audacity and pressure: Tendulkar’s blistering 98 runs off 75 balls against Pakistan at Centurion during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup. 

This innings wasn’t merely about scoring runs; it was a testament to Tendulkar's ability to thrive under extreme pressure, showcasing a combination of grit, technique, and tactical prowess.

Setting the Stage: A High-Stakes Encounter

The match was no ordinary game of cricket; it was a face-off between two of the sport’s fiercest rivals on the grandest stage after a three-year hiatus. The subcontinent held its breath, and emotions ran high across India and Pakistan, with fans rallying around their teams in a fever of national pride. For Pakistan, the match was a must-win to stay in contention, adding to the intensity of an already charged atmosphere. 

In Dhaka, a young Pakistani fan—myself, a third-year medical student—eagerly awaited the clash, aligning my loyalties firmly with the men in green. In a serendipitous turn, our Community Medicine Viva was canceled on match day, leaving me and my classmates free to experience the game in its entirety. The entire campus buzzed with anticipation, emptying hours before the toss as students and faculty alike turned their attention toward the unfolding drama.

Pakistan opted to bat first, a confident move underscoring their determination. Saeed Anwar’s century anchored the innings, helping Pakistan post a challenging 273 for 7. With a bowling lineup comprising the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, and Abdul Razzaq, Pakistan had good reason to believe they could defend this total. Yet, lurking in the Indian lineup was Tendulkar, quietly preparing to counterattack in one of his most high-stakes innings.

The Arrival of the Little Master

From the moment he took strike, Tendulkar exuded an unmistakable sense of purpose. The decision to take the first ball over his usual partner, Virender Sehwag, was no mere coincidence; it was a signal of intent, a quiet announcement that he was ready to take on Pakistan’s best. The very first over against Akram saw Tendulkar calibrate himself to the pitch, absorbing the bowler’s variations and setting up his next moves with surgical precision.

In the second over, facing Shoaib Akhtar, Tendulkar unleashed a stroke that would come to define this innings. Shoaib bowled a short, wide delivery, and in a fraction of a second, Tendulkar’s bat met the ball with an explosive cut that sent it soaring for six over backward point. It was a calculated stroke, using Shoaib’s own pace against him, and it sent an unmistakable message to Pakistan: Tendulkar wasn’t just in form; he was ready to dismantle their attack.

A Tactical Assault on Pakistan’s Bowling

What followed was an exhibition of batting that highlighted Tendulkar’s ability to adapt and dominate. With the dismissals of Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly, the Indian innings appeared vulnerable. Yet, Tendulkar maintained his momentum, seamlessly switching between aggression and restraint, reading the bowlers with uncanny clarity. His footwork against Waqar and Akram showcased his command over timing, while his shot selection was a masterclass in using the bowler's strengths to his advantage.

Tendulkar’s innings was not just about boundaries and runs; it was a study in cricketing psychology. Each stroke was calculated, and each run was intended to pressure Pakistan's fielders and drain their bowlers. With every authoritative drive or delicate flick, he not only boosted the morale of his teammates but also weakened the resolve of his opponents. His on-drive off Akram was a particular highlight, displaying both timing and elegance. It wasn’t simply a run-scoring shot—it was a psychological victory over a bowler who had, for years, dominated world cricket.

Battling Fatigue and Injury

As Tendulkar approached his 90s, physical strain became evident. Cramps began to hinder his movement, forcing him to take medical breaks and disrupt his rhythm. But in a display of sheer grit, he fought through the discomfort, choosing to press on rather than yield. The sight of Tendulkar wincing with each step but still summoning the energy for flawless strokes was a testament to his determination. This stretch of the innings illustrated his mental resilience and ability to compartmentalize pain—a quality that separated him from other greats.

Yet, as so often happens in cricket, fate had its say. Shoaib, determined to exact some measure of revenge, bowled a fierce short ball. The ball rose unexpectedly, inducing an edge from Tendulkar’s bat that was gleefully claimed by the Pakistan fielders. Tendulkar’s dismissal at 98 was heartbreaking for Indian fans who had hoped for a century, but the damage was done. The chase was now within India’s grasp, and Tendulkar had, through his artistry and defiance, effectively dismantled Pakistan’s hopes.

Reflections on an Unforgettable Innings

As an ardent Pakistani supporter, I found myself in a mix of awe and desolation that night. Tendulkar’s innings had been an emotional rollercoaster, weaving through moments of exhilaration and despair. While he had shattered the dreams of countless Pakistani fans, there was no denying the mastery with which he had crafted his knock. It was an innings marked by tactical brilliance, mental fortitude, and cricketing genius, played on one of the world’s biggest stages against one of the game’s most feared bowling attacks.

A Defining Moment in ODI Cricket

Tendulkar’s 98 at Centurion was more than just a memorable innings; it was a definitive moment in ODI cricket history. The stakes of the World Cup, the storied rivalry, and the intimidating bowling lineup made this an innings where every run mattered. It was an epic blend of intensity, skill, and unyielding resolve, and it encapsulated why Tendulkar remains a revered figure in world cricket.

In retrospect, Tendulkar’s knock against Pakistan that day serves as a masterclass in how to handle pressure. By combining raw skill with unbreakable willpower, he inspired not only his team but also redefined the standard for high-stakes performances. For those who witnessed it—whether jubilant Indian fans or disappointed Pakistani supporters—it remains etched in memory as a showcase of brilliance in its purest form.

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Sri Lanka Edge Past West Indies in a Newlands Thriller

In a contest brimming with drama, resilience, and moments of brilliance, Sri Lanka edged out the West Indies by six runs in a heart-stopping World Cup encounter at Newlands. This victory, a testament to their grit and composure, brought Sri Lanka closer to the Super Sixes while leaving the West Indies teetering on the brink of elimination.

The match was a study in contrasts: Sri Lanka’s uncharacteristically restrained batting performance was juxtaposed against the West Indies’ pulsating late charge, led by the indomitable Ramnaresh Sarwan. Ultimately, the clinical precision of Chaminda Vaas and the guile of Muttiah Muralitharan proved decisive in a game that oscillated between dominance and despair.

Sri Lanka’s Labored Start

Winning his fifth consecutive toss, Sanath Jayasuriya opted to bat first on a dry Newlands pitch. However, what followed was a subdued display by Sri Lanka’s top order. Jayasuriya, known for his explosive starts, curbed his natural instincts to anchor the innings with a restrained 66 off 99 balls. His innings, though vital, was marked by uncharacteristic caution, yielding just four boundaries.

Hashan Tillakaratne, partnering Jayasuriya in an 85-run stand, mirrored this conservatism, crawling to 36 off 68 balls before falling to Wavell Hinds. The early run-out of Marvan Atapattu and a mid-innings collapse, where Sri Lanka lost four wickets for 43 runs, further dampened their momentum.

Aravinda de Silva, looking fluent with the bat, was run out in a mix-up with Jayasuriya, a moment emblematic of Sri Lanka’s nervy approach. Mahela Jayawardene’s struggles continued as he perished for just nine, his World Cup form a growing concern.

It was left to Russel Arnold and the lower middle order to inject some life into the innings. Arnold’s partnerships with Kumar Sangakkara (24) and Chaminda Vaas (28*) added crucial runs, lifting Sri Lanka to a defendable 228. The innings, though unspectacular, laid the foundation for their bowlers to take center stage.

Vaas and Muralitharan: The Architects of Victory

Chaminda Vaas, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, delivered a masterclass in seam bowling. His opening spell was a clinic in control and deception, dismissing Wavell Hinds and the dangerous Brian Lara. Later, his reverse-swinging deliveries dismantled Chris Gayle (55) and Ridley Jacobs, leaving the West Indies reeling.

Muttiah Muralitharan, spinning webs on a dry surface, was equally influential. His delivery to bowl Ricardo Powell—a vicious off-break that turned sharply past the bat—was a moment of pure artistry. The off-spinner’s penultimate over, conceding just two runs, was a game-defining passage of play, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.

The Sarwan Surge

The West Indies’ chase seemed doomed after a mid-innings collapse saw them lose three wickets for one run, reducing them to 122 for six. Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s dogged 51 kept their hopes alive, but it was Ramnaresh Sarwan’s heroic effort that truly reignited the contest.

Returning to the crease after being struck on the head earlier, Sarwan played with courage and flair, smashing 47 off 44 balls. His audacious strokeplay, including a flat six over long-off and a series of crisp drives, brought the West Indies within touching distance of an improbable victory.

With 16 needed off the final two overs, the tension was palpable. Muralitharan’s miserly penultimate over left 14 to get off the last six balls. Pulasthi Gunaratne, entrusted with the final over, held his nerve. Despite conceding an early boundary, he restricted Sarwan and the tailenders, sealing a memorable win for Sri Lanka.

A Game of Fine Margins

This match was a vivid reminder of cricket’s fine margins. The West Indies’ chase was derailed by a combination of poor shot selection, Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, and moments of brilliance in the field. Sarwan’s valiant effort deserved a better outcome, but the lack of support from his teammates proved costly.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, showcased their ability to defend modest totals. Vaas and Muralitharan were the linchpins, ably supported by Jayasuriya’s leadership and tactical acumen. The victory, though hard-fought, highlighted areas for improvement in their batting, particularly the need for greater intent in the middle overs.

The Road Ahead

With this win, Sri Lanka topped Pool B with 16 points but still needed to overcome South Africa in their final group game to secure qualification. For the West Indies, their fate now hinged on an unlikely sequence of results, underscoring the precariousness of their campaign.

As the dust settled on this Newlands classic, it was clear that cricket had once again delivered a spectacle of tension, skill, and unpredictability. For Sri Lanka, it was a triumph of resilience; for the West Indies, a tale of what might have been.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Nehra’s Night at Kingsmead: England’s Hopes Dented by Indian Brilliance

Under the floodlights of Kingsmead, Durban, a clash of contrasting fortunes unfolded as India dismantled England by 82 runs, virtually sealing their spot in the Super Sixes of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup. The toss, widely anticipated to be pivotal, proved decisive yet again. England, beneficiaries of favourable conditions in their previous match against Pakistan, found themselves undone by the same factor this time, as Ashish Nehra’s spellbinding six-wicket haul left their campaign hanging by a thread.

A Challenging Chase: England Unstitched Under the Lights

Set a target of 251, England’s chase began disastrously, a harbinger of the carnage to follow. Nick Knight’s ill-advised call for a sharp single in the second over ended in a brilliant diving run-out by Mohammed Kaif at extra cover, setting the tone for an innings plagued by poor decision-making and relentless Indian bowling.

Marcus Trescothick’s struggles against the new ball epitomized England’s early woes. Facing a masterclass in seam bowling from Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan, Trescothick managed a solitary boundary before miscuing a pull off Zaheer to Sachin Tendulkar at backward square leg.

Enter Ashish Nehra. The left-arm pacer, often overshadowed by India’s more illustrious names, delivered a spell that will be remembered for its precision and ruthlessness. Nasser Hussain, after briefly showing intent with back-to-back boundaries off Srinath, fell to Nehra’s first delivery, a sharp cutter that found the faintest edge through to Rahul Dravid. The next ball sent Alec Stewart back, trapped lbw by a delivery that swung late, leaving him stranded like a deer in headlights.

Though denied a hat-trick, Nehra continued his destruction. Michael Vaughan, attempting to drive a full-length delivery, edged to Dravid, who was impeccable behind the stumps. Paul Collingwood, England’s savior against Pakistan, was squared up by another beauty from Nehra, the edge flying to Virender Sehwag at slip. Craig White and Ronnie Irani fell in quick succession, both caught off Nehra’s probing lines. A double-wicket maiden capped his extraordinary spell: 10 overs, 2 maidens, 23 runs, and 6 wickets – a career-best performance that left England reeling.

Andrew Flintoff, fighting a lone battle, briefly lit up the innings with towering sixes off Sourav Ganguly. His 64 off 73 balls was a valiant effort, but it was never enough. Flintoff’s dismissal, courtesy of a brilliant diving catch by Sehwag at wide mid-on, extinguished England’s faint hopes. The innings folded at 168, leaving England’s Super Six ambitions reliant on improbable permutations.

India’s Innings: Grit and Glamour

Earlier, India’s innings had oscillated between flashes of brilliance and periods of consolidation. Tendulkar, the linchpin of India’s batting, showcased his genius with a scintillating 50 off 52 balls. His early assault on Andrew Caddick, featuring a sublime square-leg boundary and a towering six over mid-wicket, set the tone. Virender Sehwag complemented Tendulkar with a flurry of boundaries, but his dismissal, caught and bowled by Flintoff, halted India’s early charge.

Flintoff struck again to remove Tendulkar, whose mistimed square drive was smartly taken by Collingwood at backward point. Ganguly’s departure, caught by Trescothick off Craig White, left India wobbling at 107 for three. England’s bowlers, particularly Flintoff, kept the scoring in check with disciplined lines and lengths.

The turning point came with the partnership between Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh. Combining finesse with controlled aggression, the duo added 62 runs for the fifth wicket. Yuvraj’s towering six off Irani and Dravid’s crisp boundaries revived India’s innings, pushing the total towards respectability. Yuvraj eventually fell to a sharp catch by Hussain, while Dravid’s 62, highlighted by a six off Anderson, anchored the innings.

The final over provided a dramatic flourish. Four wickets fell in as many balls, with Dravid, Kaif, Zaheer Khan, and Srinath dismissed in quick succession. Despite the late collapse, India’s 250 proved to be more than enough.

Analysis: A Tale of Two Spells

This match was a stark reminder of the importance of adapting to conditions. Nehra’s devastating spell under the Durban lights exploited the swing-friendly atmosphere to perfection, while England’s batsmen failed to adjust. The contrast in bowling strategies was evident: while India’s pacers maintained relentless discipline, England’s attack, barring Flintoff, lacked the incisiveness to capitalize on early breakthroughs.

For England, the defeat exposed their reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective effort. Flintoff’s all-round heroics were a silver lining, but the lack of contributions from the top order was glaring.

India, on the other hand, demonstrated the depth and versatility of their lineup. Tendulkar’s brilliance, Dravid’s resilience, and Nehra’s career-defining performance underscored their status as serious contenders for the title.

What Lies Ahead

With this victory, India virtually secured their place in the Super Sixes, their confidence soaring ahead of their marquee clash against Pakistan. England, however, face a daunting task. To progress, they must defeat the formidable Australians in their final group match or rely on favorable results elsewhere – a precarious position for a team with lofty ambitions.

As the World Cup drama unfolds, this match will be remembered not just for Nehra’s magical spell but also as a pivotal moment in England’s campaign. In cricket, as in life, fortune favors the prepared – and under the Durban lights, India proved they were more than ready.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

MS Dhoni in Chennai 2013: A Defining Masterclass Against Australia

For too long, Dhoni has been labelled "Captain Cool," a title that speaks to his composure but fails to encapsulate the sheer destructive force he can unleash. That perception was irrevocably altered on a sweltering Chennai afternoon when Dhoni dismantled Australia's bowling attack with a ruthless, calculated, and almost cinematic carnage.

As the dust settled on Day Three, Dhoni stood unbeaten on 206 off 243 balls—his first Test century since November 2011. India, at 515 for 8, had turned a looming deficit into a commanding 135-run lead. On a pitch beginning to crumble, Dhoni had not merely defied the Australians; he had obliterated their plans, exposing their frailties in the process.

A Counter-Attacking Symphony

Dhoni's arrival at the crease signalled the end of Australia's aspirations for a first-innings lead. Until then, the visitors had dictated terms, employing disciplined, run-saving fields that stifled scoring. When Sachin Tendulkar fell for 81, the innings seemed poised on a knife’s edge.

Then came Dhoni, and the game shifted from chess to blitzkrieg.

Nathan Lyon had found assistance from the surface, extracting bite and turn, aided by the rough patches outside off stump. For any other batsman, this might have been a sign to proceed with caution. Dhoni, however, saw an opportunity. He first muscled a Lyon delivery straight back down the ground for four. Clarke responded by placing a short mid-on—only for Dhoni to paddle-sweep the next ball into the vacant deep square leg region. The psychological battle had already been won.

India had crept to 67 runs off 95 balls by lunch, but the real carnage began once the new ball was taken. Convention dictates that fresh leather is the bowler’s ally, a phase where batsmen adopt vigilance. Dhoni, however, treated it like an invitation to a festival.

James Pattinson, Australia’s most lethal bowler, was greeted with a scorching cut past point. Mitchell Starc suffered worse, conceding three boundaries in an over. Moises Henriques was lofted over extra cover for six. In just seven overs with the new ball, India plundered 54 runs.

The Art of Destruction

Virat Kohli, who had composed a fine 107, fell in his eagerness to dominate Lyon. At that point, Australia still held a slender advantage of 56 runs. But Dhoni was in no mood to surrender the momentum.

He brought up his hundred with a characteristic flourish—stepping down the track to Peter Siddle and whipping him over square leg for four. With the lower order folding around him, India’s lead remained fragile. Yet Dhoni’s presence transformed even the tail into a weapon.

The final act of his masterpiece was an unbeaten 109-run stand with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, of which Kumar contributed just 16. The brutal acceleration saw Dhoni race from 100 to 200 in just 112 balls, ensuring India's grip on the game tightened with every stroke.

A Captaincy at the Crossroads

This was more than just a great innings; it was a statement of intent, a reaffirmation of Dhoni's place in Indian cricket at a time when his leadership was under scrutiny.

India had endured humiliating whitewashes in England and Australia, followed by a rare home series defeat to England. Many questioned whether Dhoni, whose cool demeanour had once been his greatest asset, had lost the fire needed to lead a Test side. His captaincy remained intact not because of unanimous faith but because the alternatives had either faded or remained untested.

Yet, in the cauldron of Chennai, Dhoni silenced his critics. His last two significant Test innings—99 and 206—had both come at No.6, reflecting his willingness to take on additional responsibility. His partnership with Kohli in Nagpur against England had been one of defiance, an attempt to salvage dignity from a sinking ship. Here, it was a declaration of dominance.

Legacy of a Counter-Attacker

As he walked off unbeaten, having rewritten records and expectations, Dhoni cemented his place as the highest run-scorer among Indian captains across formats—surpassing the likes of Mohammad Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, Tiger Pataudi, and Sunil Gavaskar.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

This innings was not merely a statistical triumph. It was a passage in cricketing folklore, an encapsulation of Dhoni's ability to turn pressure into opportunity, calculation into carnage.

And so, "Mad Max" is not just a nickname. It is an identity—one that will remain synonymous with Dhoni’s defining Test innings, played on a crumbling pitch under the unforgiving Chennai sun, against an opposition that came with plans but left with nightmares.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar