Bangladesh eye a break from losses

Bangladesh will take on Zimbabwe in the first Test in Mirpur desperate to reverse their recent run of losses.

The match is set to start at 9:30am on Saturday at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

In their last two tours to Zimbabwe, Bangladesh lost two of the three Tests. With revenge in mind, the hosts also aim to topple Zimbabwe who are currently ranked 9, one above Bangladesh, in the ICC Test Rankings.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim will like to make full use of his side’s home advantage. He has clearly stated that he wants a turning wicket.

Zimbabwe have a handful of spinners in their arsenal, as well, though some of them are not experienced enough.

Six Zimbabwe players, including captain Brendan Taylor, played in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League last year which gave them a clear idea of the playing conditions here.

Allrounder Shakib Al Hasan's return to side after serving a ban has restored balance to to the side.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam may be partnered by uncapped leg-spinner Jubair Hossain.

Mushfiqur thinks Bangladesh bowlers have the ability to take 20 wickets, but big scores are required for victory.

“Shakib’s return has strengthened both our spin and batting. Crisis of opening pair has been resolved with Tamim (Iqbal)’s return to form.

“Mominul (Haque), (Mahmudullah) Riad, Shuvagata (Hom) are doing well. The first seven batsmen are our driving force.”

Bangladesh have registered victory only against Afghanistan and Nepal this year and a win will come as a big relief.

Mushfiqur has also told his teammates to find inspiration in Sri Lankans Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara who go for big scores once on the wicket.

“When Sangakkara and Mahela play against Bangladesh, they try to score as much run as possible. If such opportunities come, our batsmen too must grab them.”

This is only the third time Bangladesh are playing a three-Test series. The captain thinks it will be a challenge for the bowlers to rise to.

His counterpart Taylor is quite concerned about Bangladesh’s spin threat.

“I think spin is always the biggest threat for us. We have prepared for the Test series keeping spin in mind.”

Zimbabwe will be playing a three-Test series after over 12 years.