Publish : 31 Dec 2021, 10:00 PMUpdate : 31 Dec 2021, 10:00 PM
Bangladesh men’s cricket team is going to start the New Year with the toughest assignment as they will commence their Test series in New Zealand where they are yet to win a game in any format.
After a difficult finish of the year 2021, when they showcased abysmal performance in the T20 World Cup, and the challenge will be manifold for the Tigers as they will miss some big names in the most difficult conditions against a mighty side.
Bangladesh have lost all nine Test matches including five innings defeats in New Zealand so far and the hosts pacers are expected to wreak havoc amidst the visitors’ batters who always struggle against pace.
Moreover, the absence of experienced opener Tamim Iqbal and star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan will make the daunting challenge even tougher and New Zealand, the current World Test Champions, will be extra motivated as they will start defending their WTC trophy through this series.
The picture will look even bleaker considering the fact that the New Zealand won both their Test matches in the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui so far thanks to their prowess in pace bowling. And the hosts will surely prepare pace friendly pitches as they have dropped spinner Aijaz Patel who claimed 10 wickets in an innings against India recently.
But against all odds Bangladesh think tanks are thinking positive.
Skipper Mominul Haque said he is ready to take the challenge.
“New Zealand’s pace attack is most challenging. We should take the challenge. There is no use of thinking about history. We should think positively. It will not be easy if we think from the back foot,” said Mominul during a virtual press conference ahead of the match.
Coach Russell Domingo was also hoping for positive outcomes.
“I hope the wicket will be good. There should be tinge of grass on first day. We have to select a team that will cover both pace and spin. Pitch helps spinners here from fourth day. We have to maintain a balanced attack. Our strength is spin but we have some good seamers here and I am excited about them. To be honest we may play with three seamers and a spinner,” said Domingo.
Tigers start New Year with toughest challenge
Bangladesh men’s cricket team is going to start the New Year with the toughest assignment as they will commence their Test series in New Zealand where they are yet to win a game in any format.
After a difficult finish of the year 2021, when they showcased abysmal performance in the T20 World Cup, and the challenge will be manifold for the Tigers as they will miss some big names in the most difficult conditions against a mighty side.
Bangladesh have lost all nine Test matches including five innings defeats in New Zealand so far and the hosts pacers are expected to wreak havoc amidst the visitors’ batters who always struggle against pace.
Moreover, the absence of experienced opener Tamim Iqbal and star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan will make the daunting challenge even tougher and New Zealand, the current World Test Champions, will be extra motivated as they will start defending their WTC trophy through this series.
The picture will look even bleaker considering the fact that the New Zealand won both their Test matches in the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui so far thanks to their prowess in pace bowling. And the hosts will surely prepare pace friendly pitches as they have dropped spinner Aijaz Patel who claimed 10 wickets in an innings against India recently.
But against all odds Bangladesh think tanks are thinking positive.
Skipper Mominul Haque said he is ready to take the challenge.
“New Zealand’s pace attack is most challenging. We should take the challenge. There is no use of thinking about history. We should think positively. It will not be easy if we think from the back foot,” said Mominul during a virtual press conference ahead of the match.
Coach Russell Domingo was also hoping for positive outcomes.
“I hope the wicket will be good. There should be tinge of grass on first day. We have to select a team that will cover both pace and spin. Pitch helps spinners here from fourth day. We have to maintain a balanced attack. Our strength is spin but we have some good seamers here and I am excited about them. To be honest we may play with three seamers and a spinner,” said Domingo.
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