SrI Lanka has announced a balanced 18-member squad for two matches test series against Bangladesh scheduled to start at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium (ZACS) Chattogram on 21 May 2022. The other test would be played at Sher e Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) Dhaka from 29 May. 

Bangladesh had a disastrous test series against South Africa on tour getting comprehensively white washed against a second-string protean team. Two spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harrmer tormented tigers bundling them for meagre 53 and 80 in the second innings of the two tests. 

Bangladesh wickets traditionally favour spin. Bangladesh finally admitted that they do not play spin well on spinning tracks. In the present frame of mind with Sri Lankans possessing Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhaanjaya de Silva Ramesh Mendis and Praveen Jayawickrama Bangladesh would be in a dilemma whether or not to produce spinning track. But Bangladesh can only win in Bangladesh if batsmen can give enough runs for spinners for taking 20 wickets. That is only possible if three spinners strike form. 

With all rounder Shakib back in the team Bangladesh can have formidable trio Shakib, Taijul and Miraj the winning combination. Most of the tests Bangladesh won at home had the contribution of two or three of contributing. But against Sri Lanka having quality spinners and batsmen having better skills of playing spin,it would have risks as well. Teams batting last would be disadvantaged. Two inform better performing pacers Taskin and Shoriful not available for the series Bangladesh has no option but taking calculated risks. Bangladesh showed poor temperament in choosing strokes in addition to flawed skills of playing spins on wearing track. A sense of panic prevailed. Hope team think tank would mentor individual batsmen. It is batting specially top order batting that would make the difference as there would be very little difference in bowling department. 

Bangladesh may play with three spinners and lone pacer, either Khaled or Ebadat. If spinning wicket is prepared then toss will be a huge factor. With the advent of monsoon weather may also be something that would play a role. Bangladesh so far played 6 matches in the current phase of test championship and lost 5. Their only win was that historic test against New Zealand in New Zealand. 

We are not sure whether BCB had reports from Team Manager, Head Coach or the captains about the South Africa tour. It is a standard procedure in other test playing nations. Moreover, Director (Cricket Operation) BCB, Team Director and one member of the selection committee eye witnessed the surrender of Bangladeshi batsmen against spinners. Were the batsmen traumatized for any reason? Should Bangladesh consider some experienced top order batsmen performing admirably and consistently in domestic cricket to beef up batting depth? 

Bangladesh can ill afford another test disaster at home. Off return of Shakib ensures that Bangladesh would be played at full strength after a while. Tamim, Shakib , Mushfique , Liton all would be there. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Yasir Rabbi showed promise. Shanto also is maturing. Still would suggest giving another opportunity to Anamul Haq Bijoy and Naeem Islam (both in prolific form). Mominul and Mushfique looked not at their best form. Bijoy and Naeem should be in the squad as cover. In case Mushfique and Mominul fail again in the first test their position in the team would become uncertain. Liton in his present form deserves batting at number five at least if not four. Gradually Miraj should also move up. There is no option to experience in test cricket. These two know home wickets as their palm tops. Let selectors select the squad leaving them to team management decide which eleven would play. Chattogram wicket also helps reverse swing. Ebadat for that reason may be preferred over Khaled if Bangladesh team decides going with one pacer. BCB must not push Mustafiz for playing test. He should be better preserved for white ball cricket.

Sri Lanka Squad: 
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Vishwa Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Roshen Silva, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilshan Madushanka, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.

The batting looks very strong and organised. Karunaratne, Thrimanne, Chandimal, Shanaka are capable batsmen. The batting is boosted with the return of Mathhews. There are couple of quality all rounders. Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, and Lahiru Thirimanne have secured their place in the outfit along with Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Ramesh Mendis.

It will not be easy for Bangladesh at all. However, Bangladesh can not afford to loose another home series after their loss against Pakistan. 

BDST: 1238 HRS, APR 24, 2022
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