Bangladesh-Zimbabwe second Test begins today
Bangladesh are set to receive a morale boost with the return of Tamim Iqbal against Zimbabwe as they aim to restore some pride in the second Test match beginning in Harare today.
Bangladesh were favourites prior to the two-match Test series after their successful campaign in Sri Lanka only to be thrashed by the hosts by a massive 335 runs in the opening Test.
‘We have no other option other than winning the match to draw the series, so we will make sure that we have the fit players in the line-up as we don’t want to take any chances,’ Mushfiqur Rahim told reporters at the pre-match press conference in Harare.
‘Tamim has been spending time in the nets for the last two days though he still has some pain in the thumb but we believe the pain is bearable and it is possible for him to play the game.
‘However, we will assess his fitness today [Wednesday] and there isn’t any problem, he will play tomorrow,’ said Mushfiq, who dropped a hint that they will go into the match with three seamers in their line-up.
Bangladesh were severely criticised for not picking any third seamer for the first game that was played in a pacer-friendly wicket and the whimper for the mistake was even louder in the second innings when Robiul picked up six wickets to help the side fight back.
‘We are planning to take three seamers as the condition and the weather are suitable,’ said Mushfiq. ‘We have some injury concerns so we will see the condition of all those players and select the playing eleven for tomorrow’s game,’ he added.
Bangladesh have already sent back paceman Shahadat Hossain and also have a fitness concern for Rubel Hossain. Paceman Shafiul Islam and all-rounder Ziaur Rahman have already joined the squad in Harare and either of them could play in the second Test.
Mushfiq was confident about turning the table after their ignominious defeat at the hands of Zimba
bwe where their weakness against swing bowling on a lively pitch was exposed blatantly.
‘I have faith in my players and the staff and we have worked in the last three days to improve in some areas. Hopefully with a bit more application in the middle, we will be able to settle down easily,’ he said.
‘We bowled well in the first game but it was the batting that let us down, so hopefully we will bounce back in the game,’ he added.
Several changes are on cards for the second Test that will also welcome the return of Sakib al Hasan as a full-fledged all-rounder unlike in the first game where he bowled only seven overs.
Enamul Haque Jr is expected to make room for a third seamer after Sakib returns to share the responsibility with off-spinner Sohag Gazi.
Left-handed pace bowler Sajedul Islam is expected to get the nod in place of injured Rubel Hossain and he could be joined by uncapped Ziaur Rahman in the pace attack.
Vice-captain Mahmudullah’s position also is in danger as Mominul Haque is waiting for his chance after a strong show in Sri Lanka. Shahriar Nafees, who displayed a schoolboy-like fielding in the first Test could make way for Tamim.
-With New Age input
