Tigers face selection dilemma ahead of first Test
Team manager Tanjeeb Ahsan Saad informed from Zimbabwe that they are yet to decide the line-up but it is most likely that vice-captain Mahmudullah or an in-form
Mominul Haque has to make way for the maverick all-rounder.
It has almost become a subject of national debate whether Mahmudullah or Mominul should face the chop as both have their reasons to stake a claim in the starting line-up.
While Mahmudullah, an integral part of the Test squad for years, is the vice-captain of the side, Mominul injects some fresh blood in the side that is badly requiring a win in the battle of the Test lightweights.
The tides are clearly against Mahmudullah who is suffering from a dip in form after scoring just eight runs in three innings in Sri Lanka in an otherwise successful Test series for the Tigers.
It is not just the number of runs rather his mode of dismissals which is of grave concern, particularly in the drawn first Test in Galle when he went half way down the wicket through the crease only to be out for a duck.
He suffered another duck in the second Test that Bangladesh lost by seven wickets to give up the series.
Mominul made his debut in the same series to score a fifty in Galle in his only
innings before he repeated the same feat in the first innings in Colombo.
He also put up a fight in the second innings before being the victim of a dubious decision.
Opinions are divided over who should be axed to accommodate Sakib, though most of the former captains suggested that Mominul should retain his place.
‘I fear they will drop Mominul (Haque) to give Mahmudullah another chance which would be unfortunate,’ said former national captain Roquibul Hassan.
‘Mominul is the in-form batsman and I would go for him instead of Mahmudullah.’
Former national skipper Khaled Mahmud said it was a tough call as Mahmudullah brings the experience while Mominul is now going through a good touch.
‘I think both of them have reasons but I would go for Mominul,’ said Mahmud.
Another former captain Khaled Mashud echoed the same sentiment saying he would prefer Mominul in place of Mahmudullah.
‘Mahmudullah is a good batsman without a doubt and also has some experience of playing in Zimbabwe. But I would prefer Mominul as he has shown some confidence in Sri Lanka,’ said Mashud.
Probable Tigers
Jahirul Islam, Shahriar Nafees, Mohammad Ashraful, Sakib al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah/Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Enamul Haque Jr, Rubel Hossain, Robiul Islam
-With New Age input
