Tornado specially named says “Mercia “does not happen every other day in Australia or anywhere in the world. But it struck Queensland bringing lots of rain enough to abandon the Pool A match between host Australia and Bangladesh.
Teams shared points. Bangladesh for the first time after they achieved ICC full membership had opportunity to play against Australia at historic Gabba. But rain deprived them from that opportunity. What would have been the outcome playing against red hot Aussies at bouncy Gabba will remain anybody’s game .But on paper Bangladesh and Australia both have three points after two group matches . How this impact on the rest of tournament will have to wait and see. While Australia is not at all flustered of their chances of moving ahead yet it may create some inconvenience for them as finishing behind New Zealand at pool may make them play semifinal against New Zealand in New Zealand. On the other hand this may have come as a blessing in disguise for Bangladesh .With three points from two matches they can appear with greater confidence against Sri Lanka at MCG on 26 February at Iconic MCG. If Afghanistan upsets Sri Lanka tomorrow at University Dunedin ground in New Zealand Bangladesh chances of finishing even third in the pool may get brighter. England after getting shocked and awed by New Zealand is languishing at the bottom of the table near the exit door.
Bangladesh will fly in to our City Melbourne tomorrow and will get four days for getting used to Melbourne condition. They must not be overawed with the opportunity of appearing in the great venue. MCG is a dream destination for any international cricketer. Bangladesh must carefully monitor the Match tomorrow at MCG where two favorites India and South Africa will appear in an epic contest. The drop in pitch at MCG favors spin.
Bangladesh pace attack looked impressive at Canberra. Inspirational Mashrafee led pace trio may create inroads early.
Hot MCG may assist spin. If Mashrafee, Taskin and Rubel can get early wickets against Sri Lanka Shakib and
company can restrict Lankans to achievable target. MCG has plenty of runs. Bangladesh must rotate strikes as much as possible placing the balls in the gaps .Often it is possible running four instead of trying to blast. I would suggest playing Mominul and Mushfique at number three and four and Shakib, Mahmudullah at Shabbir later. I would rather suggest dropping Tamim and opening with Soumya Sarkar and Anamul.Tamim looked very tentative in the first match. Playing Mominul at MCG will be proper as he can build innings with singles and will be perfect foil for Mushfique for laying strong foundation for Shakib and Mushfique to exploit .Reputation must not be a case for hanging on with Tamim as he looked physically and mentally not charged. I think team management did not do justice with Mominul playing him at number 9 in the first match.
As far as bowling is concerned let an additional spinner play at MCG. Sri Lanka may struggle if Dilshan and Sangrakkara can be consumed early. Mahela is not in good nick. Matthews at middle order is the key and that key will need to be blunted. Bangladesh has to play Rangana Herath carefully at MCG. If Bangladesh can win against Sri Lanka at MCG the path to Quarter final, will become nice and smooth. We hope Afghans will do us a favor extending the Lankans to the limit tomorrow.
But for a while let us leave with the pride of staying above Sri Lanka and England in a Pool where many were not agreeing giving tiger any possibility.
I have seen many matches at MCG. The wicket has plenty of runs if batted smartly .Playing along the ground as much as possible is the key. Bangladesh may see the video how nerveless Imran Khan and Javed Miandad batted in MCG final against England in 1992. My Suggested team for MCG would be.
Anamul Haque , Soumya Sarkar , Mominul Haque , Mushfiqur Rahim , Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riad ,
Shabbir Rahman , Mashrafee Bin Murtaza , Arafat Sunny , Rubel Hossain and Taskin Ahmed.
BDST: 1522 HRS, FEB 21, 2015
