Bangladesh brace for Sri Lanka battle, heat

Following difficult series' against New Zealand and India, it will be another big task for the Tigers as Sri Lanka are always competitive in their home conditions. Bangladesh have some experienced players in their team at the moment in the form of Tamim Iqbal (47 Tests), Shakib al Hasan (47 Tests), Mushfiqur Rahim (52 Tests), Mahmudullah (32 Tests) and Mominul Haque (21 Tests). The quintet have played enough number of Tests to labelled “experienced”. Mushfiq admitted that Bangladesh have enough firepower to produce a good result but also warned that the Lankans are quite capable of exploiting their own conditions as they thrashed Australia 3-0 in August, 2016. “It is obviously a big challenge. They are playing in their home conditions and they recently defeated Australia. We would never take them lightly, as they are lions. But this time around, we have the chance to grab some good results for us. All the boys are keen and excited,” Mushfiq told the media. “They don’t have a lot of their senior players, who were around last time. We had a few big players missing last time. Both teams have a chance of producing a result. They know how to win at home, seeing how they played against Australia. We are ready to face hard times, and I hope we can be competitive for the whole game, and not just for three or four days,” he said. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal scored a hundred in the two-day practice match and the team will depend on the elegant left-hander to provide a good start to their innings. Mushfiq will promote himself up to No 4 in the batting order. He was recently asked to quit wicket-keeping duties. In his place, Liton Kumar Das, who last played a Test back in July, 2015, is likely to don the gloves. Taskin Ahmed assesses the wicket AFPIn general, the Galle wicket offers assistance to the batsmen but as the game progresses, it will help the spinners as well. Weather will be a big concern ahead of the Test as Bangladesh have to adapt to the hot and humid conditions quickly. “It is hotter than the last time so we should be prepared to focus harder. It is an area of concern but we are adjusting fast. The heat might help break down the wicket faster, but if the batsmen apply themselves, there are plenty of runs available,” said Mushfiq. “It is probably a bit different than the 2013 Test. It is still a nice wicket to bat on, although I think there will be something for the quicks in the first two days. The wind might also help them with movement. As the days progress, spin will also come into play,” he added. Mustafizur Rahman is ready to return to the Test squad after a lengthy injury lay-off. It means either Kamrul Islam Rabbi or Taijul Islam will be dropped to make room for Mustafizur. The decision to include three pacers or as many spinners will come in the morning of the match-day.HEAD TO HEADMatches - 16Sri Lanka wins - 14Draws - 2Highest totals - Sri Lanka 730/6d, Bangladesh 638Lowest totals - Sri Lanka 293, Bangladesh 62Most runs - Kumar Sangakkara (1816), Mohammad Ashraful (1090)Highest score - Sangakkara (319), Mushfiqur Rahim (200)Most wickets - Muttiah Muralidaran (89), Shahadat Hossain (24)Best bowling - Rangana Herath 7/89, Shakib al Hasan (5/70)