Bangladesh have glorious memories of ODI triumphs over India at Port of Spain in the 2007 World Cup and at Mirpur in the 2012 Asia Cup, but their achievements in Tests pale in comparison.
Published : 10 Jun 2015, 01:08 AM
The Tigers are yet to beat their neighbours in seven Tests.
But Bangladesh are riding high after a successful Pakistan series that followed their best-ever World Cup performance.
Captain Mushfiqur Rahim will lead the hosts in their attempt to overcome Team India at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in a one-off Test on Wednesday.
Bangladesh managed a draw with India in the 2007 Chittagong Test but they had to thank rain instead of their own skills for the result.
This time around, the Tigers are going to take on the Virat Kohli-led India with the strong desire of a win in the most prestigious form of the game.
The sweltering heat and dry weather will put the hosts under more testing conditions.
And, as if that was not enough, the Fatullah wicket is already causing the Bangladesh camp big headache. Mushfiq and Coach Chandika Hathurusingha were taken aback with the track’s ‘peculiarity’.
On the eve of the match they were sceptical of how the wicket would behave with time but Mushfiq had no doubt that it would assist the batsmen on the first two days.
So the toss might play a crucial role, he said.
“If we don’t do well after opting to bat, we’ll feel maybe we should’ve bowled. But playing well despite losing the toss, that’s what’s important. Our standard will show if we play well against them.”
Mushfiq expressed doubts over his side’s bowling ability after the Pakistan series but has regained faith before the Fatullah Test.
The 26-year old still believes they have the ability to take 20 wickets but only if the chances are taken. He, however, thinks it is their batsmen who face the real challenge.
Injuries to Mahmudullah Riyad and Shahadat Hossain have forced the home side to make two changes from their last Test against Pakistan last month.
Mushfiq has more responsibility to shoulder due to Mahmudullah’s absence.
Although he has not fully recovered from his injury to the ring finger of his right hand, Mushfiq may promote himself to four for the first time in a Test to cover for Mahmudullah.
If Mushfiq cannot keep wickets, Liton Das may be included to fill in. The 20-year old opens the batting in domestic cricket but is ready to bat at any position.
Spinners may extract assistance from the Fatullah track, which has been rolled on with ‘trimmed grass’.
So, Bangladesh may play with four spinners including Shakib Al Hasan while legspinner Jubair Hossain may return to the side.
If Bangladesh opt to field three spinners, they may have to choose between Jubair and Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury, who can also bat.
Mohammad Shahid may have to sit out if frontline paceman Rubel Hossain is included after returning from injury with four spinners in the bowling unit.
The wicket, however, failed to surprise Indian skipper Kohli who thinks a lot of runs will be scored on it if two or three batsmen do well.
In that case, they may go for six batsman and five bowlers. They will decide on a third spinner or pacer after having a final look at the track.
A reinvigorated Bangladesh side has impressed Kohli with their recent performance. He thinks the hosts have the ability to put up a good fight with them.
“They can score runs, can take wickets. They are contributing in Test cricket. We cannot take any team lightly.
“You have to bowl well to every batsman, doesn’t matter if it is AB de Villiers or Shakib Al Hasan.”
Kohli and co are desperate to reverse India’s dismal run of no win in their last seven Tests.
With both teams going for victory, the Fatullah Test promises to be a spicy clash.
But avoiding a defeat in the Test against India, who are ranked third by the ICC, will be an accomplishment for the hosts.