Bangladesh-Sri Lanka first Test begins today
Bangladesh will be keen to pull up their socks and start from where they left off in the Test arena when they take on Sri Lanka in the opening game of their two-match Test series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today. Though they have struggled to establish a strong foothold in the longer form of the game since gaining Test status, the Tigers began to grow in confidence in 2013 and started to show the necessary temperament.
It began with the tour of Sri Lanka in March, when the Tigers earned a memorable draw. Though they lost the second game and the series, it was evident through some of their performances that they were capable of competing in Test cricket.
Bangladesh’s 638 in the drawn first Test at Galle, which gave them a first innings lead, remains their highest score in Test cricket.
The Tigers then lost the first Test against Zimbabwe in Harare in April, but came back to win the second to salvage a 1-1 draw in the two-match series.
Bangladesh ended the year with two creditable draws at home against New Zealand in October.
The home series against Sri Lanka begins under the spectre of the shocking proposal to revamp the International Cricket Council, put forward by India, Australia and England. The plan could deny Bangladesh further Test cricket until 2019.
Sri Lanka have won all but one of their previous 14 Tests against Bangladesh, with seven of their victories coming by an innings. However, the last two Test series between the sides were closer than the previous ones.
Shamsur Rahman is set to receive his first Test cap after a glut of runs in the domestic circuit, including a 267 in the Bangladesh Cricket League four-day competition.
Bangladesh will be looking to him to provide stability at the top of the order with Tamim Iqbal, an area that has been one of the weakest links for the Tigers in the longer version of the game.
Abdur Razzak is expected to retain his place despite a strong challenge from former national vice captain Mahmudullah, as the think tank believes that the wicket will start to favour spinners from day four.
Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain will be entrusted with the duty of leading the pace attack, and the heart of the batting order will feature Marshal Ayub, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sakib al Hasan and Nasir Hossain.
-With New Age input
