Five years ago at Lord’s, the Bangladesh cricketers copped heavy criticism from outspoken English legend Geoffrey Boycott during the first Test match. England, asked to bat first, posted a massive 505 all-out in their first innings with Jonathan Trott leading the way with a fine knock of 226. A loyal patriot, Boycott, who is staunchly proud of his Yorkshire roots, was having a field day in the commentary box, praising his country and at the same time criticising the Tigers for their apparent lack of ability.
Although Bangladesh eventually lost the Test by eight wickets at the Mecca of Cricket, Tamim Iqbal fired back at Boycott with the perfect riposte – a sensational century.
A year later, however, the scenario changed completely. It was England’s turn to be criticised as they crashed to a two-wicket defeat against co-hosts Bangladesh in the 2011 ICC World Cup. All the English greats, Boycott included, condemned their team’s abject performance.
The two sides meet again tomorrow at Adelaide Oval but this time, the stakes are much higher. The winner in the England-Bangladesh match, in all likelihood, will make it through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Hence, it is no surprise that the former English cricketers, media and pundits, rather than censuring, are instead praising Bangladesh, knowing full well that the Tigers will pose a dangerous threat to their chances of progressing to the final eight.
Former English cricketer and commentator David “Bumble” Lloyd was obviously feeling the heat when Bangladesh were going great guns during their highest successful run-chase against Scotland last Thursday at Saxton Oval in Nelson. After each Bangladesh boundary and six, the expression on his face was visible for all to see. Knowing that Bangladesh stood in the way of England qualifying for the quarter-finals, Lloyd was quite alarmed that day.
In the 2015 ICC World Cup, the Tigers’ ability is never questioned by the English greats or their media. Rather than finding flaws with Bangladesh, they are pointing out their own weaknesses.
England will no doubt feel the pressure against the Tigers after an ordinary start to their World Cup campaign.
One win, that too against associates Scotland, in four matches, has forced the England squad to experience sleepless nights. In their three other matches, Eoin Morgan’s side were beaten convincingly by co-hosts Australia and New Zealand and 1996 champions Sri Lanka. England’s bowling department, especially fast bowling, is their major cause for concern.
England’s new-ball bowlers, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, have hardly found swing with the Kookaburra ball Down Under. Not only that, Anderson and Broad have conceded 91 and 92 runs per wicket respectively.
Despite posting 309 against the Lankans, courtesy of a century from Joe Root, England still suffered a comprehensive nine-wicket loss.
If the Bangladesh batsmen can keep their calm and are able to exploit the opposition’s weakness on their way to a famous victory, one can only guess at the amount of criticism that will fly in the direction of the English cricketers.