Match Summary:
India 462 for 6 decl. (S. Dhawan 173, M. Vijay 150, A. Rahane 98, Shakib Al Hasan  4-105) drew with Bangladesh 256 (I. Kayes 72, R. Ashwin 5-87, Harbhajan Singh 3-64) and (f/o) 23 for 0

Man of the Match: S Dhawan
Finally the curtain dropped of the lone Bangladesh India Test match after so many dramas, so much hours of agonizing waiting for cricket in the rain ruined encounter. Mid-June in Bangladesh is monsoons high noon. Scheduling cricket, scheduling test match cannot be termed smart thought. It was more of commercial reason than cricket interest.  Rain was expected to come and it came in torrents on its natural cycle. Only a little over two day’s cricket was actually possible. Even in that time, Indian push for a win created few panics in Bangladesh camp. But finally Bangladesh could finish unscratched.



Virat Kohli and Mushfiqur Rahim touched the trophy together. Bangladesh and India played out the second drawn test in bilateral contest both of which were rain ruined. The result affected India in ICC Test ranking but Bangladesh remained as it was. Bangladesh wanted a draw and they achieved it off course with generous help from the nature.

Whatever little cricket was played Bangladesh was made to follow on as they could only master only 256 in their first innings responding to India’s only innings score of 462/6. India had only 30 overs post tea session on the last day to force a win. But Bangladesh has at least moved on from that stage of melting down or capitulation. Tamim and Kayes safely batted out 15 overs when captains agreed to call off the test. No team won and rain was the winner. Rain saved Bangladesh one must not hesitate to agree.

On a flat dead wicket where the lean and thin Bangladesh bowling attack on day one struggled.  Indian spinners teased and tormented Bangladesh batting on the final day. The wicket changed character though it remained under cover. Ashwin and Harbhajan appeared on their true elements exposing the lack of test temperament of Bangladeshi batsmen. We heard Bangladesh batsmen are not very comfortable against pace. But this innings evidenced they can master quality spin bowling also on a little turning wicket.

Bangladeshi batsmen can take a lesson from Murali Vijay how he played a classical test innings. They can learn a lesson from Rahane as well how he blended attack and defense when he changed gear. Bangladesh desperately need one or two batsmen who can grind and graft like Geoff Boycott, Hanif Mohammad or Shiv Chandrapaul. The team also a perfect mix of quality pace bowlers and spinners to mature in test cricket. For that they need to play domestic cricket on true sporting wickets and plan its cricket operation by competent professionals, committed organizers. Every sensible person will suggest this.  Cannot say people who matters do not know it. But no one cares about it and hence the show goes on.



Bangladeshi spinners must also learn lessons from the way Ashwin bowled. Mushfiqur must learn how Kohli in his first full time assignment as captain set the field or handled bowling. But cannot blame Mushfiqur much as he was given a very weak test bowling attack to deal with strong Indian batting on a dead surface.

We do not know whether team think tank felt at all humiliated and disgraced when Indians put us to shame of following on even in the limited opportunity that they got. But those who loves Bangladesh cricket had heart bleeding. Most of the Bangladeshi batsmen fell in the trap that Indian spinners set for them. Most of them fell through attacking strokes. Cannot blame youngsters. Mushfiqur, Shakib and even Imrul Kayes virtually sacrificed their wickets. Head coach has a task at hand before Bangladesh appears against more penetrative and versatile South Africa and Australian attack in not too distant future.

Bangladesh had some positives. Return to form of Shakib with the ball is a great relief. The class of teenager Jubair came to the surface.  He needs time and patience with him. He can be a game changer. Kayes played well enough up to a certain point but threw away his wicket unnecessarily when he could steer the team out of trouble. Senior players have to shoulder the team when situation demands.



We must say Liton K Das impressed in his debut in front and behind the wicket. He played some delightful strokes off both spinners and pacers at critical stage of the match. We are sure a beginning of a long career has launched. It will be better he bats not below four in test matches. He may also be a good investment even in ODI. Mushfiqur can now better concentrate on his batting. Soumya still do not appear a test material. He must be being matured in limited version. I find no reason to continue with Shubhagato. There is much better option for Bangladesh now in both batting and bowling. There was no reason to overlook Nasir for the test.

Bangladesh cannot mature in test cricket with few test matches and series only at home. It cannot grow real test class temperament playing on dead docile surfaces. It cannot develop also under care of shallow vision amateur BCB think tank.

There has to be a major overhaul in cricket administration. Selectors blame coach and captain when people ask questions about selection muddle. How can Mr Farukh defend his statement of inclusion of Jubair coming from insistence of coach and captain? Did not Jubair prove him wrong?

Kohli could use his three pacers in short burst from one end to keep his attacking options two off spinners fresh. Bangladesh appearing with lone pacer Shahid was already on the back foot before the first ball was bowled. The innocuous bowling of Soumya Sharkar settled the nerves of Indian openers. Shahid can be an ideal third pacer and can be used as workhorse. Bangladesh must find a new bowl combination ideally Rubel– Taskin or Al Amin-Rubel as soon as possible. Wickets in test must have some purchase for fast bowlers.



The avoiding of defeat in test in whatever way it was achieved at least did not dampen the team spirit before the all-important ODI series where Bangladesh definitely will be far more competitive. Mashrafee as leader will infuse new lease of life with intent. Taskin and Rubel will add flair; Nasir and Shabbir will provide depth and diversity. I am sure Soumya and Liton will make contribution. But, Tamim, Mushfiqur and Shakib have to be in their elements if Bangladesh has to really challenge Dhoni’s men to prove a point.

Weather permitting it will be a fascinating contest. Bangladesh has lot to gain to consolidate its growing stature in limited over version of the game.

BDST: 0908 HRS, JUN 15, 2015
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