Bangladesh tasting another test series whitewash against a full-strength South Africa was not unusual. But after achieving a historic test win in New Zealand, maturity of Litton, Taskin, Shoriul and emergence of Mahmudul has Joy , Yasir Ali created some short of confidence that Bangladesh test squad was in some sort of ascendency. 

Moreover, historic win in ODI series against full-strength Bangladesh created hype that Bangladesh may record first ever test win against depleted South Africa. But the manner in which home team white washed Bangladesh has raised genuine concerns that win against New Zealand could be a flash in the pan. Twice in two tests Bangladesh got bundled out below hundred ( 53 at Durban and 80 at Port Elizabeth). In both instances two spinners Keshab Maharaj and Simon Hammer ran through the innings in 19 and 23 overs bowling in tandem. Bangladeshis play domestic cricket in slow, low turning tracks . Hence there can be no excuses for spinners getting 29 of the 40 Bangladesh wickets even on turning tracks. Bangladeshis mentally and psychologically were not in mood to take the fight to the opposition. Having experienced South Africans in the coaching staff and few days practice at Gary Kirstein academy came of no avail. In addition to team Manager, Bangladesh had BCB Director (Cricket Operation), Team Director and one member of the s election committee present in South Africa during the test series . The team looked panicked and down in spirit. There must be an authentic probe into dismal performance.
 
Batting disaster can happen once, but getting dismantled twice in similar fashion against same spinner duo within few days raises genuine question about quality, competence and commitments of players. This was for the first time Bangladesh had opportunities for playing in two major Venues Kingsmead, Durban and St Georges Park, Port Elizabeth. Even the home team without 8 front line players was a bit concerned about unpredictable Bangladesh. Questions were raised about team composition and Bangladesh decision for bowling first after winning the toss. The pitch report indicated about spinners coming into play on the fourth and final days. Bangladesh ignored the main test spinner Taijul Islam while home team brought back tall off spinner Simon Harmer to pair with Left Arm Orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj. Bangladesh strategy backfired at Durban as four men bowling attack failed restricted even depleted South African batting unit. 

On the other hand Bangladesh batting apart from quality new comer Mahmudul Hasan Joy (137) and Litton (44) failed in dealing with second string South African attack. Bangladesh bowled well in the second innings. Getting 20 wickets of the home team with only four bowlers and Taskin not fully fit was an achievement. But the manner Bangladesh batting crumbled in the second innings beggars’ description. Shadman should never have played, Mominul, Mushfique, Joy ,Yasir could do nothing. Would blame Mominul and Mushfique most as they were the main stay of the team in the absence of Tamim and Shakib. The batting backed skill, commitment and application. Why did Bangladesh invited trouble choosing to bat last . All at Durban knew that batting in the fourth innings would not be easy. Did they under estimate home team spinners? In the first test bowling more or less was OK . DRS were not taken smartly and some 50:50 decisions went against Bangladesh. But these could hide the pathetic batting performance. However, injury to premiere Bangladesh bowlers Taskin and Shoriful hurt Bangladesh. 

Return of Tamim and Tajul for the second test-strengthened Bangladesh. But again negative mindset of Bangladesh think tank in going with 4 men bowling attack caused Bangladesh dear . Loss of toss was another set back. South Africa exploited the best time of batting at this wicket scoring match winning 453 in the first innings. Taijul taking 6 wickets proved that ignoring him in the first test was ranked stupidity. Tamim (47) and Mushfique (51) had start and were expected to bat longer .But both lost lost wickets playing irresponsible strokes. Joy, Mominul, Liton, failed again. Scoring 217 Bangladesh conceded 236 runs first innings lead. The match could be over on day three had Elgar decided to impose follow on. Instead they batted second time scoring 176/6. Bangladesh was set unassailable 413 Runs Mountain to climb on a weaning wicket. The tourists pathetically succumbed to quality spin attack of Maharaj and Harmer to a second below hundred score of 84. A humiliating loss by 332 runs and disgraceful series whitewash.

We think poor spineless batting, negative mind set of team think tank, seniors failing taking responsibility led to the debacle. Three tests Bangladesh lost by huge margin after that famous win in New Zealand proves that it was a flash in the pan. Bangladesh has not yet developed test culture. The batsmen cannot play quality pacers on bouncy wicket, neither have skills for playing quality spin on spinning track. There is no plan in place and no vision. They cannot risk preparing spinning track for the Sri Lanka series as present Sri Lanka team has quality spinners.  Bangladesh should find a new captain and get some experienced batsmen performing consistently in domestic cricket. Mominul talked irrationally to media after the series . Leading an underdog in international cricket needs cool-headed skills and strong personality. 

BDST: 1415 HRS, APR 12, 2022
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