Bangladesh-Zimbabwe Test Starts Today
Bangladesh have the chance to crash Zimbabwe’s party when the home side play their first Test match since 2005, six years after their self-imposed suspension from the game’s elite. The game begins at 10:00am local time today on a wicket that, according to those who have seen it up close, is sporting enough to produce a result.
The hard surface at the Harare Sports Club ground doesn’t worry the Tigers as much as the practice match wicket that shook their confidence at the Academy venue. The result during that three-day game is still a major dampener in Bangladesh’s mental make-up, as they return to Test cricket after a year-long sabbatical.
The Tigers have announced a 12-man squad for the solitary Test, waiting on Mahmudullah Riyad’s fitness after the all-rounder injured the little finger on his right hand during the last day of the practice match.
Shahriar Nafees is set to make a comeback into the Test side after one and a half years while Junaed Siddiqui and Mohammad Ashraful are likely to fight for a place at No 4 if Riyad is not fit to play on the morning of the game.
There was much talk about the bowling attack and it looks increasingly likely that Abdur Razzak will play along with the three-pronged pace attack, sources have confirmed.
Skipper Shakib Al Hasan is confident that a turnaround is possible, banking mostly on his batsmen getting it right in a game that also marks their return to Test cricket, albeit after the much shorter spell of a little more than a year.
“I am slightly excited and nervous, since we are playing after such a long time. It might take us time to adjust. Still, I’m expecting the best,” said Shakib during the Tigers’ practice at the venue after the official press conference was not held.
“It won’t be anything like the practice game’s wicket. I think it’ll be a good surface,” he said, adding that the wicket might take turn from the third day onwards.
“Since the weather lacks moisture, the wicket will dry out fast. The fast bowlers might then find help if they can reverse the ball. Otherwise, I think the spinners will be effective after the third day,” said Shakib.
Though Zimbabwe are starting afresh, they do have a few four-day matches under their belt, having played against Australia A last month. But they are still playing a five-day game and since they haven’t played a single one in a long time, it will be as difficult as it will be for the Tigers. “I think it will be harder for them. We already have to adjust coming back after 14 months into the format and they’re returning after six years,” said Shakib.
Zimbabwe’s serene preparations received a blow when experienced campaigner Tatenda Taibu criticised the cricket board on Tuesday.
TEAMS
BANGLADESH (from): Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaed Siddiqui, Shahriar Nafees, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Robiul Islam, Mahmudullah Riyad and Rubel Hossain.
ZIMBABWE (from): Brendan Taylor (captain), Tatenda Taibu (wicketkeeper), Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Ray Price Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Regis Chakabva, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Tino Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Brian Vitori.
Live on TEN Cricket from 2:00 pm
-With The Daily Star input
