An almost full-strength Bangladesh cricket team (only Shakib for personal reasons not there) takes on an IPL 2022 depleted South African cricket team for a two matches test series from day of tomorrow at Durban. We are aware that Bangladesh far lost all previous tests played between two teams played between them. Most of these were by considerably huge margin. Circumstance alters cases. Present circumstances made all believe that Bangladesh starts as favorite for recording not only a historic first test win only, but also a test series win.
We know in the immediate past both Bangladesh and South Africa dew test series against New Zealand in New Zealand 1-1. Bangladesh team did not have any of their top four senior professionals in the team. South Africa was in full strength. Moreover, a historic ODI series win by Bangladesh against full-strength South Africa has put Bangladesh in better stead.
In recent times, Bangladesh did not have better preparation before any series. Some players were involved in ODI series. Others who did not play had a wonderful opportunity of getting acclimatized with the situation practicing at Gary Kirsten academy. Hence there cannot be any excuse for Bangladeshi players for lack of opportunity of getting used to conditions. The frontline pace bowlers Rabada, Nortje, Ngidi would be appearing for their IPL 2022 franchise while their mates would be engaged against Bangladesh. We are not much aware of the quality and experience of the protean pacers who would replace their mainstream pacers. But the bottom line would be inform Tamim back in the team. rookie Mahmud Hasan joy setting strong foundation for Bangladesh batting. We are not Shadman would be better choice over Joy at this moment. Moreover, Joy as member of World Cup winning Bangladesh Under 19 team has experience of South African condition. Would suggest playing Nazmul Shanto at number three for his better skills, temperament and recent records.
[photo collected]
Mushfiqur Rahim is not at his peak form at this moment. But one good innings of him would definitely bring him back in prime we are sure. He still possesses a lot to deliver. Prolific Litton is a great asset for the team at number 5 in red ball format now. At six Yasir is also maturing as useful late middle-order gradually. Mehedi Hasan Miraj is also maturing as useful all rounder. So up to 7 the above are an automatic choice. Now it would all depend whether or not Bangladesh would appear with three pacers. Would suggest for Bangladesh going with three pacers and for that Taskin, Ebadat and Shoriful would be right choice. Off course the best test spinner of Bangladesh now is Taijul. Even if Shakib was there I would have suggested playing Taijul alongside Shakib.
We believe Bangladesh with three inform pacers and two front line spinners would have required skill to grab 20 South African wickets. Tamim is now a match-winning pacer. He has the opportunity for fine-tuning his skills under Alan Donald. Ebadat also recently proved as a match winner. Shoriful has caught the eye of the experts. Bangladesh at this moment possess their best pace attack ever. Taijul is a steady test bowler and we are aware that Mehedy Miraj on his day is also good enough to run through a batting lineup. South Africa only have two top batters Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma in their lineup. Keegan Peterson and Kyle Verreynne are extremely talented but do not have much experience. Others are mostly rookies. Bangladesh still has to bat, bowl and filed well consistently over the 5 days to turn history in their favor.
Our Suggested Bangladesh Team For The First Test:
Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton K Das, Mehedi Hasan Miraj, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Ebadat Hossian.
BDST: 1214 HRS, MAR 30, 2022
SMS
