Bangladesh will launch its cricket mission in the Caribbean Islands on November 22, 2024. In the last cricket mission, Bangladesh will play 2 tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20s.
In all formats of the game, Bangladesh, in recent times, has depleted to the rock-bottom 9th in the ICC ranking. On the other hand, the uncertain West Indies, in recent times, has shown signs of ascendancy.
After starting the long mission exceptionally well whitewashing Pakistan in Pakistan in the test series Bangladesh lost very badly against India in India in the Test and T20 series. A second-grade team of South Africa Whitewashed Bangladesh in Bangladesh in the test series. Then at Sharjah, UAE Bangladesh lost the ODI series to Afghanistan 1-2. In such a state the admirers of Bangladesh cricket can only hope against hope that Bangladesh recovers and play to their potential in the Caribbean.
The cricket journey of celebrated Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan is all but over. The other two greats Tamim Iqbal is no longer available. Little master Mushfiqur Rahim is also injured and is missing the tour. Captain Nazmul Hasan Shanto is also missing the tour for an injury. For an understrength team going through long poor patch will find it extremely challenging to encounter resurging Caribbean in all three formats of the game.
Bangladesh Test Squad: Mehedy Hasan Miraj (Captain), Mehedy Hasan Miraj (Captain) Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Litton Kumar Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Shahadat Hosen, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana and Hasan Murad.
As far as the bowling unit is concerned this is going to be the best possible and balanced bowling a good blend of spin and pace to visit Caribbean. The absence of Shakib as celebrated all-rounder will be missing. But Taijul, Miraj, Hasan Murad will cover. Perhaps another specialist off spinner could be useful. Taskin, Hasan Mahmood and Nahid Rana will enjoy bowling conditions in the Caribbean.
Bangladesh will face huge issue in batting. The top order lacks quality and experience. Mominul Haq and Litton Das will have to shoulder huge responsibility of batting consistently. Hope Mehidy Miraj can also bat well. We are not sure how Zaker Ali Onik and Shahadat Hosen will perform. West Indies now have good pace and reasonably good spin attack. The temperament of Bangladesh team playing too much international cricket will be severely tested. In my opinion earning even a draw in one test will be a huge bonus. But the recent performances of the two teams in international cricket do not speak in favor of Bangladesh. Surviving 5 days will be extremely challenging.
Test Matches:
1st Test: November 22-26 at Antigua
2nd Test: November 30- December 4 at Jamaica.
The test series will be followed by three ODIS and three T20s. This will be the last Bangladesh mission before the Champions Trophy in 2025.
BDST: 1255 HRS, NOV 13, 2024
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