Selectors have retained an unchanged squad for the second and final Test against Pakistan, beginning at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday. The Tigers returned to Dhaka on Sunday after a creditable draw in the first Test in southern city of Khulna which kept Pakistan still in search of their maiden win in the tour. Paceman Rubel Hossain sustained a shoulder injury in Khulna, which left selectors considering Abul Hasan for the second Test, before they abandoned the idea later as the injury did not appear that serious.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman quoted team physio Bayzidul Islam as saying that a few other players were also carrying some niggles but none of them are serious enough to prevent them from playing in the second Test.
‘The players were given two days of rest and I hope everyone will be fit before the second Test,’ said Bayzid.
Bangladesh are entertaining the prospect of winning a Test against a ‘major side’ like Pakistan, having so far defeated only Zimbabwe and an under-strength West Indies.
The Tigers believe they can capitalise on the low confidence of Pakistan, who have been hammered in the tour so far in three one-day internationals, a Twenty20 International, a Test and a warm-up game.
The visitors hoped they would break the duck when they took a 296-run lead in the first Test, but Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes spoiled their hopes with a record 312-run opening stand.
Bangladesh, owing to Tamim’s maiden double century of 206 and Imrul’s career best 150, posted their highest ever second innings total of 555-6 to secure the draw.
The stunning comeback in the second innings of the Test left Tigers’ morale on a high, making them ready for one final onslaught against their underwhelming visitors.
Team sources said there can be a change in the starting lineup provided the wicket possesses some grass, as prescribed by the think-tanks. In that case paceman Shahadat Hossain can join Rubel Hossain and Mohammad Shahid at the expense of a batsman.
Bangladesh fielded eight batsmen in the first Test, a move which was criticised as a defensive approach.
Leg-spinner Jubair Hossain was expected to play in Khulna after claiming nine wickets in Bangladesh’s previous Test against Zimbabwe, but the team-management had instead opted for Shuvagata Hom, who is mainly a batting all-rounder.
A selector on Sunday said Jubair has very little chance to play in the second Test as well, considering his inexperience.
The 19-year old prodigious leg-spinner played just 10 first-class matches, something which the selector said may not be good enough to handle batmen as experienced as Pakistanis.
-With New Age input
