MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA): After the initial bit of uncertainty, England Cricket team is set to visit Bangladesh to play two tests and three-ODI-match containing much awaited series on schedule.
The visit had some concerns of taking place after the terrorist attacks in Dhaka and Kishoreganj in July. Though the terrorism syndrome is globalized now yet incidents at Holey Artisan Bakery (first of its kind in Bangladesh) and near Sholakia Eidgah were of grave concern.
Last year Australia initially suspended and finally cancelled its trip to Bangladesh first from perceived threat and then for killing of an Italian expatriate in the diplomatic zone of the capital Dhaka.
This time prompt government actions in containing terrorist activities and intensive security arrangements convinced ECB in confirming the visit.
Some players for different reasons have opted out. But England now is too good a team to deal with even without few top players. Bangladesh, on the other hand, starving for international cricket would heartily welcome England whom they knocked out from business session of the ICC World Cup 2015.
England will be coming to Dhaka fresh from imposing win over Pakistan in the ODI series wherever Bangladesh did not play any bilateral series in 2016 after a very successful 2015.
England is proving too strong as ODI and limited over unit. They are on the verge of whitewashing Pakistan in ODI. Bangladesh also did that last time Pakistan were in Bangladesh.
In ODI Bangladesh undoubtedly will compete equally with England. Their confidence must be very high after winning against England in the last two World Cup contests. The loss of two pace bowlers, the young sensation Mustafiz due to injury and not too sure Taskin for suspect bowling action, might have some worries.
But still with Rubel, Al-Amin, Mashrafe and couple of other upcoming youngsters Bangladesh still possess a competitive pace battery to compete against English batting line-up.
The real test for England would be playing Bangladesh spinners in hot and humid autumn days. The usual not-favoring-pace pitches would suit Bangladeshi spinners. In that case it will be a case of Bangladeshi spinners and more specifically left arm spinners against English batsmen and on the other hand tall English pacers against Bangladesh batsmen that will determine the fate of the series.
Bangladesh will play three ODIs against blooming Afghanistan before the series sets rolling. Afghanistan is now a very competitive limited over unit that challenged almost all teams in the recent past. It may be ideal preparation for Bangladesh prior to the England series.
But considering the sensitive security situation it may not be worth taking risks. Any incident during the series may trigger confusions and apprehensions. Anyway the series would assist in shaking off rusts that may have accumulated for not playing international cricket for a while.
None but Shakib played competitive cricket for a while although all were practicing in different ways for keeping themselves fit. Ace opener and premiere batsman Tamim Iqbal is injured and may not feature in the ODI series against Afghanistan.
BCB just announced deployment of West Indian maestro Courtney Walsh as Bangladesh bowling coach. His engagement will definitely benefit Bangladeshi pacers as they have lot to gain from the world of experience of Caribbean legend, super athlete and perfect gentleman cricketer.
Hope he gets required freedom for work unlike in the past when dirty noses were poked in the works of coaches and trainers. From the reactions of Mashrafe and Taskin it already evidenced that players are really excited with the prospect of sharing the dressing room with a legend.
BCB has also appointed Thilan Samaraweera as batting consultant which would also pay off.
Having said these, well, English Lion needs to be caged. England has a pretty settled batting order. Alex Hales and Alistair Cook are in prolific form with the bat. So are Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Garry Balance and Moeen Ali. Eoin Morgan makes the ODI unit more versatile.
England recently posted 444 in ODI against Pakistan. Bangladesh must plot plan with its variety of bowling options against English top and middle order.
However, it will not be easy for English batsmen adjusting quickly with the different wickets. Bangladesh wickets obviously would have much less bounce and movement. Wickets would have more turn which local bowlers must cash on.
Bangladesh may not have Tamim Iqbal for the Afghanistan series. Hope he gets around in time for England series. His flamboyance is essential at the top in all formats. The real challenge would be finding ideal foil for him. In limited overs talented Soumya Sarkar still remains the ideal choice and for test Imrul Kayes.
There are few options in Anamul Haque Bijoy and Liton Das. The last two has added advantage for relieving ace batsman Mushfiqur Rahim from wicket keeping duty.
It is to be seen whether Bangladesh sticks to playing blaster Sabbir at number three or use more disciplined Mahmudullah Riyad there against top quality English pacers in ODIs.
Number four, five and six are more or less settled with Shakib, Mushfique and Nasir for ODI matches. Mashrafe would bat at eight and followed by Al-Amin, Rubel and may be leggie Jubair or a left arm spinner.
Depending on Taskin and Arafat Sunny getting cleared matters may alter. Otherwise Saqlain Sajib or Mosharraf Rubel may get the nod as spinning option. Given the confidence that Bangladesh achieved last year in repeated successes against top cricket nations -- Pakistan, India and South Africa -- I find no reason why Bangladesh cannot start as favorites against England at least in the ODI series.
Test matches may be different ball game all together. It could have been a fascinating contest if Mustafiz were available. But that is the way it pans out. Man proposes but God disposes. The budding genius would be witnessing from the sidelines.
Bangladesh will have to find a bowling unit capable of taking 20 English wickets. Mohammad Shahid and Jubair Ahmed would be ideal choices in the test bowling unit and off-course test specialist batsman Mominul Haque will be an automatic choice there. Please do not waste Mominul in limited overs.
Youngsters like Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain and Mehedi Hasan Miraz could be tried against Afghanistan to test their international temperament. They are our future. But they must not be hurried.
We must not be complacent. England is a very settled unit and very strong across the formats. Taming English Lions won’t be easy even by Tigers in their own den. Let the best team is selected purely on merit. Good luck Tigers, good luck Bangladesh.
BDST: 1450 HRS, SEP 03, 2016
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