Tamim, Mahmudullah may not again feature in a Bangladesh tour to West Indies. Shakib has been given a leave of absence, Mushfique is performing Haj. Their performance is going down the hill.
It is time for a new generation for taking over. But very few can claim to be ready to ride into the shoes of a golden generation. Bangladesh has been whitewashed in Test Series.
Lost two of the three T20 International matches those completed. Now from tonight three matches ODI series will start at Providence, Guyana. ODI is the stronger front of Bangladesh. How many Bangladesh cricket admirers can bet on Bangladesh's opportunities for winning the last front? True this series is not a part of the ICC ODI championship. In the present state of the Bangladesh team why Shakib was given leave. Is he a mercenary to Bangladesh Cricket? How much cricket he has played over the past few months that he needs rest? His presence creates balance.
Shakib is manipulating his indispensability to Bangladesh cricket. Few are asking questions about the chemistry of the team. Has the relationship among the top four become sour? If all four Tamim, Shakib, Mushfique, and Mahmudullah play together Bangladesh can compete against any team anywhere at ODI anywhere. But for different reasons most of which should be managed by BCB they hardly make themselves available most of the time. Bangladesh is not like India, Australia, or England having too many options to pick and choose from. It is said that the present dismal state of Bangladesh cricket can not cause BCB to wake up from hibernation.
Let us discuss the prospect of Bangladesh winning the ODI series or even one match. West Indies is not at full strength. Bangladesh beat full-strength West Indies in ODI in not too distant past. The unavailability of Shakib and Mushfique significantly weakens Bangladesh. Yasir Ali Rabbi and
Mohammad Saifuddin also got injured. Taskin and Shoriful just returned from Injuries. Mustafiz has not yet found his touch. Apart from Litton, Afif and Sohan no other batsman has played with confidence so far. Bangladesh has to bat well to stay competitive in the series. 280 will be a minimum competitive score for challenging the flamboyant West Indies batting unit. Hope Tamim will lead his team with better expertise. Top-order batting, as well as slog over the finish, still remains a big worry. Having said all these we still believe Bangladesh has more than even a chance of turning around. Bangladesh needs one win that will change the complexion of the team.
ODI Squads:
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (Captain), Litton K Das, Anamul Haq Bijoy, Nazmul Hossein Shanto, Mahmudullah Riad, Afif Hossain, Mehedy Hasan Miraj, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mosaddeq Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Ebadat Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman.
West Indies: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales.
BDST: 1220 HRS, JULY 9, 2022
MSK
