The thought-provoking West Indies Bangladesh test match at Sir IVA Richards stadium, Antigua culminated to its logical conclusion. The home team continued its dominance over drowning Bangladesh to the bottom of test ranking.
West Indies required only 7 overs on day four knocking off the required runs winning huge by 7 wickets. West Indies took a massive first innings lead of 162 in the first innings after dismissing Bangladesh for a meager 103 all out in day one. In the second innings after as usual top order collapse fight back by Shakib and Sohan earned the visitors a 82 runs lead.
Bangladesh could be totally dismayed if they had embraced yet another humiliating innings defeat. It did not happen due to brave back to wall fight back of Shakib (63) and Sohan (64) producing scintillating 123 runs. Khaled spark created some rocking in home camp reducing WI to 9/3 by the third over on day three. Suddenly Bangladeshi admirers starting hoping against hope. But it was only poetic justice that the team getting bundled out for only 103 in 32.5 overs in the first would succumb to defeat by huge margin.
This test will be remembered for the heroics of Kemar Roach the hero of the ground reaching his 50 the wickets in 9 matches. It will also be rembered as Bangladesh had the ignominious record of 6 batsmen getting out without scoring for the second time in test innings. Apart from that Shakib scoring 51 and 63 was shining beacon of Bangladesh innings. The spin bowling of Mehedi Miraj (4/59) in the first innings and Khaled 3/27 in the second innings were something Bangladesh can take away from the ruins of the test.
In 22 years since graduating to test family, Bangladesh lost 99 matches and many by innings defeat. Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa are way beyond the reach. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies are also advancing out of reach. Even rookie Afghanistan is now a stronger test team than Bangladesh. The way Bangladesh performance is depleting in test cricket few may suggest that Bangladesh should voluntarily opt out from test cricket for two years after completing the present ICC Test Championship cycle.
Present domestic cricket does not support growth of quality test cricketers for playing good cricket consistently against any team whether at home of on tour. The matches they lost in New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan and India on tour amply suggests that Bangladesh batsmen lacks technique, skill and temperament for playing against quality pacers of pacey, bouncing wickets and seam favoring conditions. The test they lost in South Africa evidenced that they even cannot play quality spin on turning tracks. In such situation also BCB has strained relations with quality senior players. 
Excepting some improvement in pace bowling Baatting looks atrocious and fielding is most ordinary. Players also lack commitment. Test players are not expected to be tutored basics. At Present other than Tamim, Shakib, Litton, Miraj Sohan , Ebadat and Khaled none look test material. Joy has technical flaws though has patience. We do not think it prudent to burn out Mustafiz in red ball cricket.
So, at (0-1) after first test in the series it is highly unlikely that Bangladesh can turn the tide in the second test. There are talks about dropping Shanto and Mominul. Playing Shanto continuously at number three pushing Mominul and Mushfique further deep has proved total waste. BCB harmed the team and Mominul burdening him with leadership. Test cricket requires experienced players who have patience and discipline. Why not Kayes, Anamul, Ashraful, Naeem given longer opportunities? What else they could do to prove their preparedness for recall to test squad?
The major issue is that Bangladesh batting is top less and bottom less. Why Mahmudullah cannot be persuaded to continue for at least two more years. It appears that Tamim has lost his focus as well for playing longer test innings. We do not still think pruning Mominul would serve any good. Let Anamul bat at three replacing Shanto. I would rather suggest bringing in Mohammad Saifuddin in place of Mustafiz. His short spells with the ball and batting would add value.
Bangladesh must play a young team to Zimbabwe. Enough has been enough pushing BCB blue eyed boys. Selectors showed no imagination and farsight. So many expensive coaching staff failed mentoring Bangladeshis. We have listened some positive thoughts of Shakib. But head coach Domingo appears to leave in fool's paradise. BCB appears not having intellectual capabilities of assessing the situation. Business as usual must not continue.
Bangladesh standing in test cricket is now in ashes. Now we need to explore some pieces of diamond through blowing the ashes.
BDST: 1348 HRS, JUN 20, 2022
MN/SMS
