Bangladesh bowling unit is likely to have a challenge when they take on hosts Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series, believes chief of Bangladesh Cricket Board national selection panel Minhajul Abedin.
The Bangladesh squad in Negombo, as part of their preparation for the series that is part of the World Test Championship, is playing an intra-squad two-day game.
On the first day, Saturday, Team Red led by Tamim Iqbal batted first and the top-order saw runs after resisting the early threat posed by the opposition bowlers in the first session.
At tea, Team Red were on 204 without loss with Tamim retired scoring 63, Saif Hasan adding 52 ret, Nazmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 53 and Mushfiqur Rahim on 29 not out.
Minhajul taking the experience from the practice game into consideration emphasized that Bangladesh bowlers will need to be disciplined if the condition remains same in the Tests, to be played at Pallakele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
“The bowlers have had tough time here (on day one of the practice game). The wicket and condition, there is good bounce as the track is like a bit flat. Conditions might be similar in Tests. It will be really important for our bowlers to concentrate in such scorching temperature and bowl in the right areas,” said Minhajul to the media.
All members of the Bangladesh cricket team in Sri Lanka Cricket have tested negative in the second round of Covid-19 tests.
Posted by Sports Tribune on Thursday, 15 April 2021
“We still have a day left of the practice game. I believe the bowlers will be able to cope with the condition quick and well,” the former Bangladesh captain added.
The 21-member Bangladesh squad, following the three-day room quarantine, got two days of practice in the nets before the ongoing practice match.
In Kandy, the tourists will get a day in the nets before the first Test scheduled to start Wednesday.
“This (practice game) was really important for us. We have been able to make the best use of the practice facilities here before going into the series. We are playing the practice game after two days of training sessions in the nets which is good for us. This will help us cope with the condition. The weather is very humid,” said Minhajul.
“I hope the players got to feel the weather and the wickets following the first day of the practice game. The top-order got to score some runs while the bowlers tried to maintain line and length and bowl in the good areas. So overall it was a good day for us in terms of preparation,” he added.
BRIEF SCORE
Team Red 314/6 in 79.2 overs (Tamim 63 ro, Saif 52 ro, Shanto 53 ro, Mushfiq 66 ro, Nurul 48 ro)
