For the Tigers, winter has come.
From the scorching sun and extreme heat with humidity, Bangladesh national team arrived at the cold, freezing temperature of Dublin.
The cricketers, who just four days ago were practising hard under the scorching heat in Bangladesh, had to feel the complete change.
And the wind of change, the frosty breeze not only bit them hard but gave them a reception in the British Isles, where the biggest cricketing show, World Cup will be held from the end of this month.
After setting my first step in Ireland, the shivering cold welcomed me with a surprise.
Visiting @BCBtigers will take on @Irelandcricket A in a 50-over practice game today at the Vineyard in Dublin with the aim of getting used to the conditions before their tri-nation ODI series campaign.https://t.co/VefqgeoZqz#CRICKET #BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESHCRICKET
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) May 4, 2019
It is bright and sunny in Ireland, temperature was 12 Saturday afternoon but still it’s more than enough cold for a Bangladeshi to wear a jacket and a monkey cap.
On my way to the hotel from the airport, the taxi driver casually informed that cricket is not so popular in Ireland.
The locals usually prefer football or rugby.
They follow the English Premier League more enthusiastically then the battle of willow and cherry.
When asked about the reasons behind it, his answer was straightforward, “it’s a lengthy and boring game and it needs perfect weather to play cricket, considering football or rugby. Rain does not permit cricket to play on”.
Ireland Tri-Nation ODI Series - 2019
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) May 4, 2019
(Bangladesh-Ireland-Windies)#RiseOfTheTiger #BCB pic.twitter.com/qxk06elHMU
Seems legitimate?
May be it is for Irish people but for me, coming from a cricket-mad country, it is a bitter pill to swallow.
Bangladesh cricket team were in a relaxed mood in the practice session Saturday morning.
Their first action will be against Ireland Wolves, or in other words, Ireland A team Sunday.
The Tigers batsmen certainly have to adjust to the conditions soon as the weather will make impact both in Clontarf and Malahide cricket club grounds where the tri-nation ODI series will be played.
Bangladesh team practice session at Pembroke Cricket Club, Dublin ahead of the practice match against Ireland Wolves.#BCB #RiseOfTheTigers #TriNation pic.twitter.com/H2P1j9kD2S
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) May 4, 2019
Bowlers need to do the required adjustments as well as the windy condition could prove to be tricky for them also.
So considering the World Cup ahead, this tournament will definitely have an impact on the Tigers, as far as confidence is concerned.
Let the long tour begin.
Let’s enjoy the cricket wearing hand gloves and sporting a monkey cap.
Let us anticipate a season full of ice with the fire of bat and ball.
A game to clinch the supremacy, the throne of cricket.
