Cricket has been played off the field in recent times with the Big 3 proposal being the principal topic of discussion, but for Bangladesh, matters are about to return to the green as the first Test against Sri Lanka gets underway today at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today.
Historically, Bangladesh have few successes against Sri Lanka, with the islanders having set many records – both in bowling and batting – against the Tigers – but the home team are still remaining positive and can look to previous fighting efforts for inspiration ahead of the series that is about to begin.
In the last Test between the two nations at Galle, Bangladesh took a first innings lead after scoring over 600 in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings, with skipper Mushfiqur Rahim making Bangladesh’s first ever double hundred and Mohammad Ashraful striking190. The match was eventually drawn, although Sri Lanka went on to win the series 1-0.
Ashraful is no longer in the side after admitting to fixing activity but the Tigers have a number of recently successful performers in Shakib al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque and Sohag Gazi – among others.
The Mirpur wicket, which traditionallybeen flat and helped the batsman,is expected to play in usual fashion – getting lower and slower as the match goes on after initially helping the seamers a little bit.
The Bangladesh side for the series is one of the best ever selected and comprises a blend of proven players and promising newcomers. In the latter category are Marshal Ayub, whose stylish play impressed in the last series against New Zealand and Mominul Haque, who made the last series his own. However, it is unclear if former vice-captain Mahmudullah will make it into the playing 11.
The opening batsman to partner Tamim Iqbal is still up for grabs with both Shamsur Rahmanand Imrul Kayes, being contenders. Shamsur has been successful in ODIs and T20s as well as at the domestic level, while Imrul has forced his way back into the nation squad after two years by scoring heavily at the first class level.
Sri Lanka meanwhile will be looking to the experienced duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, along with relative newcomers Dinesh Chandimal and skipper Angelo Matthews – who performed credibly recently against Pakistan in the UAE – to give their side the edge.
Bangladesh team (probable):Tamim Iqbal, Shamsur Rahman/Imrul Kayes, Marshall Ayub, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), Shakib al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Rubel Hossain, Robiul Islam, Abdur Razzak.
Sri Lanka team (probable) : Kaushal Silva,Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (capt), Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Dilruwan Perera/Nuwan Pradeep, Shaminda Eranga, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal.
