cricket
Covid-negative Shakib 'available for first Test vs Sri Lanka'
Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has tested negative for Covid, three days after he was diagnosed with the disease, Minhajul Abedin, the chief selector of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), said on Friday.
The all-rounder is expected to join the team soon, and he is available for the first of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. However, it's not clear if Shakib will play the first Test.
“It's not easy to recover from Covid-19 quickly,” Nazmul Hasan, the BCB president, told the media in Chattogram on his way to Cox's Bazar. “It's up to Shakib if he can play the first Test. It would have been easy for him if it was an ODI or a T20 match."
READ: Shakib tests positive for Covid-19
The first Test will commence on May 15 in Chattogram while the second and final Test of the series will take place in Dhaka from May 23.
This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship. Bangladesh played six matches in this event and won only one against New Zealand earlier this year.
NZ cricket great McCullum hired to coach England’s test team
New Zealand cricket great Brendon McCullum was hired as head coach of England’s test team on Thursday in another bold appointment coming soon after the decision to select allrounder Ben Stokes as captain.
The 40-year-old McCullum, who currently coaches Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders, has never been in charge of a test team and only retired from playing in 2019.
He was regarded as the catalyst behind New Zealand’s emergence as a major force in the test game — the Black Caps won the inaugural world test championship last year — and his preference for attacking cricket will be welcomed by Stokes at the start of a new era for England.
Read: Galleries open for all Bangladesh- Sri Lanka Tests
“I believe in Brendon and Ben Stokes — a formidable coach and captain partnership,” said Rob Key, director of men’s cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board. “Time for us all to buckle up and get ready for the ride.”
McCullum’s first series with England will be against his native New Zealand in June, with the opening test beginning June 2 at Lord’s.
England has won only one of its last 17 tests, a run that includes a humiliating 4-0 series loss in the Ashes Down Under. That sparked a rush of dismissals and resignations — at one stage, England didn’t have a captain, coach or head of men’s cricket — but the leadership roles have been filled now, with Stokes replacing Joe Root as captain and Key the replacement for Ashley Giles.
Read: Reminiscence: Five Top Performances by Bangladesh Bowlers in Tests against Sri Lanka
“He has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better,” Key said of McCullum, “and I believe he is the person to do that for England’s red-ball cricket.”
McCullum takes the position previously held by Chris Silverwood, who oversaw the test and limited-overs teams. The ECB has decided the red-ball and white-ball duties should be split going forward.
“In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present,” McCullum said, “and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we’ve confronted them head-on.
“I’ve enjoyed several robust conversations with Rob Key about the direction of travel for the team and have found his enthusiasm contagious. I’m no stranger to bringing about change within a team environment, and I can’t wait to get started.”
McCullum described Stokes as “the perfect character to inspire change around him.”
“I look forward to working closely with him to build a successful unit around us,” McCullum said.
McCullum will travel to England after the Knight Riders complete their IPL group campaign on May 18, subject to obtaining a working visa.
Galleries open for all Bangladesh- Sri Lanka Tests
After a prolonged Covid-19 hiatus, galleries for the cricket series in Bangladesh have finally opened for all from the Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka starting May 15 in Chattogram.
While announcing the title sponsor for the mentioned series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that 100 per cent of the capacity of Zahur Ahmed Stadium, the venue for the first Test, will be open for the spectators.
“The Covid-19 situation is largely under control in Bangladesh. So the galleries in this series will be open for all,” Tanvir Ahmed, the chairman of the media department of BCB, told the reporters on Thursday.
However, the spectators will have to maintain specific protocols set up by the World Health Organization to stop the spread of the virus, Tanvir added.
The tickets for the western stand in Chattogram will cost BDT 50, while the tickets for the eastern, clubhouse, international stand, roof-top and grandstand will cost BDT 100, 200, 300 and 500 respectively. In the second Test the tickets will cost BDT 50 for eastern, southern, and northern galleries, while tickets for the clubhouse, VIP stand and grandstand will cost BDT 100, 200 and 500.
While the first Test is from May 15, the second and final Test of the series will be played from May 23 in Dhaka.
This series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship. Bangladesh played six matches in this event so far and won only one against New Zealand. However, they lost the other five matches.
Reminiscence: Five Top Performances by Bangladesh Bowlers in Tests against Sri Lanka
Bangladesh have played a total of 22 Test matches against Sri Lanka since the two teams first met in September 2001. There were some remarkable individual performances despite the fact that Bangladesh have only won one Test match against Sri Lanka. Since both teams played in subcontinent conditions, spinners have dominated the top bowling performances leaderboard. Let's take a look at five of Bangladesh's top Test bowling performances against Sri Lanka so far, ahead of the BAN vs SL series 2022.
Best Test Bowling Performances by Bangladesh Players against Sri Lanka
Here are five notable bowling efforts by Bangladeshi players in Tests against Sri Lanka.
5) Mohammad Rafique: 5/114 (R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 2005)
The first Bangladesh bowler who picked a fifer against Sri Lanka in the Test format was Mohammad Rafique. The left-arm spinner was one of the most sought-after players in Bangladesh in early 2000. Rafique bagged a fifer in Sri Lanka’s first innings of the first Test in 2005 before the hosts declared their innings on 370/9d.
Read: Cricket Australia: Sri Lanka tour still on despite unrest
He finished his spell with 37-9-114-5. Bangladesh went on to lose the contest by an innings margin because of their disappointing batting performances in both innings.
4) Shahadat Hossain: 5/86 (Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Bogra, 2006)
One of Bangladesh's fastest bowlers in the early 2000s was Shahadat Hossain. He has the most five-wicket haul (4) in an innings for Bangladesh among the pacers. One of his fifers came against Sri Lanka back in the 2006 home series.
Shahadat picked up five wickets in Sri Lanka’s first innings of the second Test at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra. His final bowling figure stood at 21.3-2-86-5. In their first innings, Bangladesh bowled Sri Lanka out for 316. The hosts eventually lost the contest by 10 wickets.
Read Five Best Test Knocks by Bangladesh Batters Against Sri Lanka: A Look Back
3) Mustafizur Rahman: 3/78 (P Sara Oval, Colombo, 2017)
Bangladesh’s only victory against Sri Lanka to date came in 2017 away from home. Left-arm medium-pacer, Mustafizur Rahman played an important role with the ball in Sri Lanka’s second innings of the second Test.
He removed three crucial Lankan batters and put the hosts under pressure. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 319 in their second innings, while Mustafizur Rahman finished his spell with 23-3-78-3. It was a brilliant effort by him to ensure Bangladesh had a comfortable total to chase.
2) Shakib Al Hasan: 4/74 (P Sara Oval, Colombo, 2017)
Bangladesh's ace all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, had a brilliant outing in Bangladesh’s historic victory in their 100th Test. In particular, his 4-wicket haul in the second innings helped Bangladesh bowl Sri Lanka out for 319. Shakib finished his spell with 36.2-9-74-4. Bangladesh only needed 191 runs to clinch the second match of the series, which they did quite comfortably in the end.
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022: ICC WTC standings predictions for both teams
1) Shakib Al Hasan: 5/70 (Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur)
In 2008, Bangladesh put up a great fight against Sri Lanka in a home series Test match. They had created a genuine opportunity to upset a very strong Lankan Test side thanks to a great bowling performance in Sri Lanka’s first innings and Bangladesh’s second innings.
Shakib Al Hasan was magnificent with his left-arm spin as a strong Sri Lankan side was bowled out for 293. Shakib Al Hasan’s spell finished with 28.4-4-70-5. It has been one of the most dominant bowling performances by any Bangladesh bowler against Sri Lanka in the Test format.
Bottom Line
Over the years, Bangladesh bowlers have had a harder time than the batters in the longer-version format against Sri Lanka. One of the reasons for this is that bowlers have had fewer opportunities than batters, as Sri Lanka have sealed eight innings victories out of seventeen against Bangladesh.
Read IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs
In all, Bangladesh bowlers have recorded five five-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka, although not all of them have had the same effect. Therefore, not all five-wicket hauls were considered in the top five Bangladesh bowling performances in Tests against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh players will hopefully put in even more outstanding performances in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
Cricket Australia: Sri Lanka tour still on despite unrest
Cricket Australia on Thursday said its all-formats tour of Sri Lanka is still going ahead despite a heightening of tension due to civil unrest in the south Asian island nation.
Australia’s government has advised nationals to reconsider their need to travel to Sri Lanka after unrest followed this week’s resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Also read: Bangladesh’s Five Memorable Test Knocks against Sri Lanka: A look back
Australia’s cricketers are due to travel to Sri Lanka in June and July to play three Twenty20 internationals, five one-day games and two test matches. An Australia A tour of Sri Lanka is planned at the same time.
A Cricket Australia spokesman said the sporting body, the federal government and Sri Lankan cricket officials were “keeping a close eye” on developments in the country.
Cricket Australia said the players and support staff had been briefed and, with three weeks until the squad's departure date, "there are no changes to the schedule.”
On Wednesday, Sri Lanka’s president promised to appoint a new prime minister, empower the Parliament and abolish the all-powerful executive presidential system as reforms aimed at stabilizing a country engulfed in a political and ecomonic crisis.
Also read: Sri Lanka leader vows to shed powers, appoint prime minister
In a televised address, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he condemned attacks on peaceful protesters by mobs who came to support his brother and former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who resigned Monday.
Five Best Test Knocks by Bangladesh Batters Against Sri Lanka: A Look Back
Bangladesh have played most of the 22 Test matches against Sri Lanka since becoming an ICC full member on June 26, 2000. In the longer-version format, Team Tigers has many memorable moments against the Lankan side. Some of Bangladesh's most remarkable Test knocks have come against Sri Lanka, which the fans will always remember. The two sides will meet again in a 2-match Test series starting on Sunday (May 15). There is an expectation that more remarkable individual performances will be witnessed during the 2022 BAN vs SL Test Series. Let’s refresh the old memories by looking back at Bangladesh’s five most outstanding Test knocks against Sri Lanka.
Brilliant individual Test innings by Bangladesh Players against Sri Lanka
Bangladesh batters have produced some remarkable individual Test innings against Sri Lanka. Here are five of Bangladesh's best individual innings that fans will never forget.
Mohammad Ashraful: 190 (Galle International Stadium, 2013)
As the scorecard indicates, the Galle pitch was a batting paradise. A total of eight centuries were scored in the match. Of those, three were scored by Bangladesh batters. However, displaying brilliant batsmanship against superior opposition while playing for a weaker team is never easy. That’s why Mohammad Ashraful’s 190-run knock in the first innings was a brilliant effort. The Bangladesh team also made a record in that particular innings by playing 196 overs, their most in Test cricket history.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022: ICC WTC standings predictions for both teams
Mushfiqur Rahim: 200 (Galle International Stadium, 2013)
Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladesh player to score 200 runs during the first innings of the first Test in the 2013 bilateral series against Sri Lanka. It was a marathon innings by him, who made a 267-run stand with Mohammad Ashraful in the fifth wicket partnership. Bangladesh went on to score 638, their highest-ever Test score in an innings. Mushfiqur Rahim won the Player of the Match award for his magnificent batting effort.
Shakib Al Hasan: 116 (P Sara Oval, Colombo, 2017)
Shakib Al Hasan always comes into the scene whenever Bangladesh need him to step in. That’s exactly what he did against Sri Lanka in the first innings of the second Test in 2017. Bangladesh were 192/4 when Shakib came into bat. The visitors needed someone to play a big knock and get past Sri Lanka’s first innings total (338). Thanks to Shakib’s timely 116-run knock, Bangladesh managed to score 467 in their first innings and took a 129-run lead. Bangladesh went on to win the contest by 4 wickets and finish the series 1-1.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal: 82 (P Sara Oval, Colombo, 2017)
Bangladesh made history in their 100th Test match, winning the contest by 4 wickets against Sri Lanka. Special credit should go to opener Tamim Iqbal, who played a responsible knock of 82 in the second innings and guided Bangladesh to a glorious victory. Chasing 191 runs on day-5 on a turning pitch was a daunting task. Thankfully, Tamim rose to the occasion and gave his side a strong start in the innings. When he departed, Bangladesh only required 60 more runs to clinch the match, which they did quite comfortably.
Mohammad Ashraful: 114 (Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, 2001)
The 17-year-old Mohammad Ashraful stunned the cricket world by scoring a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2001. He made 114 runs in the second innings and also had a century stand with veteran Aminul Islam Bulbul for the fifth wicket. Ashraful also became the youngest Test centurion ever with that hundred. It is one of the best-ever Test knocks by a Bangladeshi batter.
Read IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs
Bottom Line
A total of 15 centuries have been scored against Sri Lanka by Bangladesh players, and the majority of them were some efforts. Besides, the importance of some small innings also can’t be overlooked. Therefore, picking the best five was a difficult task. However, the above-mentioned have been the most memorable batting performances against Sri Lanka by Bangladesh players. The cricketers of the current Bangladesh squad can take inspiration from these innings to give their best effort in the BAN vs SL Test series 2022.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022: ICC WTC standings predictions for both teams
Cricket fans are excited about the longer-version Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series 2022. The Lankans have a solid record against the Tigers in Test cricket. However, the current Sri Lankan Test team is expected to face stiff competition from the hosts Bangladesh Test team. The results of the contest will have an impact on the ongoing ICC Test Championship’s points table as both sides have a chance to improve their current positions. The probable ITC standings scenario at the end of BAN vs SL bilateral series 2022 is discussed in this article.
Fixtures for the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022
The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will begin on May 15 in Chattogram and finish in Dhaka.
Match
Venue
Time (Bangladesh Standard Time)
First Test (May 15-19)
ZACS, Chattogram
10 a.m.
Second Test (May 23-27)
SBNCS, Mirpur
10 a.m.
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-bangladesh-2022-1308485
Read IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs
Sri Lanka's most recent Test series against India ended in a 2-0 defeat, while Bangladesh lost their latest Test series to South Africa. As a result, both teams naturally fell to the ITC points table. Therefore, the following series will be critical for both teams to enhance their respective standings.
The outcome of the series will have an impact on their ICC Test rankings rating points. If Sri Lanka win 2-0, their rating points will rise, but their place will stay constant. If the Tigers win the series 2-0, Sri Lanka will drop one spot. However, Bangladesh's Test rankings will remain unchanged. At the moment, Bangladesh are ranked ninth in the ICC Test rankings with 51 rating points, while Sri Lanka are ranked seventh with 81 rating points.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
ICC World Test Championship (2021-2023): Probable Standings Scenario for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
At the end of the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series 2022, Bangladesh may improve one position in the ITC points standings, while Sri Lanka can move up to third place. Bangladesh are now in eighth place with 16.66 percentage, while Sri Lanka are in fifth place with 50 percent.
Bangladesh win (1-0)
Bangladesh will get a maximum of 24 points if they win the series 1-0, and they will remain in seventh place. On the other hand, Sri Lanka's percentage is anticipated to be 39, keeping them in fifth place.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
Bangladesh win (2-0)
Bangladesh would replace the Windies in the seventh spot if they win the series 2-0. Bangladesh might have 37.50 percent, which is higher than the existing proportion in the West Indies. The position of Sri Lanka will not change.
Series draw (1-1)
Sri Lanka's points will rise if the series ends in a 1-1 draw, but the percentage will remain the same. However, Bangladesh's points and parentage will both improve, but their place will remain unchanged.
Read Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
Series draw (0-0)
Sri Lanka's percentage will drop if the series ends in a 0-0 draw, and they will likely remain in fifth place. On the other side, Bangladesh will stay in eighth place with 16 points.
Sri Lanka win (1-0)
If Bangladesh lose the series 1-0 against Sri Lanka, their place in the points standings will remain unchanged. However, the Sri Lankan team will climb to fourth place in the standings.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
Sri Lanka win (2-0)
At the end of the series, Sri Lanka will have a good opportunity of moving up to third place in the ICC Test Championship points table. They must whitewash the hosts in order to finish third in the points standings. Oppositely, Bangladesh will remain in eighth place, just above England.
Bottom Line
Bangladesh can only go up one position in the ITC points standings if they whitewash Sri Lanka in the series. If the hosts can achieve the outcomes, it will be a great confidence booster for them. This confidence will help the Tigers Test team perform even better in the forthcoming series. The Sri Lankan Test team, on the other hand, may make a significant leap in the standings if they whitewash the hosts. This Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series in 2022 will be a fantastic opportunity for them to improve their position in the ICC Test Championship (2021-2023).
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: What would the combined XI look like?
IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs
The Gujarat Titans have surprised everyone by becoming the first team to qualify for the IPL 2022 playoffs with two games left. Oppositely, the first team to be knocked out of the league phase is the Mumbai Indians. There are still three spots up for grabs for the next round. Seven teams are fighting for these remaining spots. With 13 matches left before the end of the league phase, the battle for a place in the next round is heating up. Let’s take a look at the playoffs qualification scenarios for the 15th season of the Indian Premier League.
Which teams have the best chances to make the IPL 2022 playoffs?
Most teams have three games left in the league round in the fifteenth season of the Indian Premier League. Dropping points now will have a huge influence on the team's chances of making the playoffs. Here is the latest points table situation for the present IPL season.
Read: Rain interrupts Sri Lanka’s preparation for Bangladesh Tests
2022 Indian Premier League Points Table (as on May 10)
Position
Team
Match
Win
Loss
Points
NRR
1
Gujarat Titans (Q)
12
9
3
18
0.376
2
Lucknow SuperGiants
12
8
4
16
0.385
3
Rajasthan Royals
11
7
4
14
0.326
4
Royal Challengers Bangalore
12
7
5
14
-0.115
5
Delhi Capitals
11
5
6
10
0.150
6
Sunrisers Hyderabad
11
5
6
10
-0.031
7
Kolkata Knight Riders
12
5
7
10
-0.057
8
Punjab Kings
11
5
6
10
-0.231
9
Chennai Super Kings
11
4
7
8
0.028
10
Mumbai Indians (E)
11
2
9
4
-0.894
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Lucknow, Rajasthan, and Bangalore's chances of making the playoffs
The Lucknow SuperGiants, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are in pole position for the quest for an IPL 2022 playoffs berth. Lucknow have 16 points and they can secure a spot in the next round even without winning their remaining matches in the league phase. But for that, they will have to rely on the outcomes of the other fixtures. On the other hand, Rajasthan and Bangalore are currently sitting in the third and fourth positions in the points table with 14 points each. Both teams are one win away from securing a place in the knockout phase.
Read: BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
The remaining fixtures of these three teams
Lucknow SuperGiants: Rajasthan Royals (May 15), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 18)
Rajasthan Royals: Delhi Capitals (May 11), Lucknow SuperGiants (May 15), Chennai Super Kings (May 20)
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Punjab Kings (May 13), Gujarat Titans (May 19)
What are the chances for Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Punjab, and Chennai to advance to the next round?
Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Punjab all have 10 points each. However, Delhi still have a strong chance to make it to the playoffs as they have three matches left. In addition, the Capitals have better run rates than the bottom teams in the points table. Chennai have 8 points and, mathematically, they are also in contention for a place in the playoffs. However, they have to rely on other fixtures to advance to the next phase.
Read: Shakib tests positive for Covid-19
The four teams' remaining matches
Delhi Capitals: Rajasthan Royals (May 11), Punjab Kings (May 16), Mumbai Indians (May 21)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kolkata Knight Riders (May 14), Mumbai Indians (May 17), Punjab Kings (May 22)
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 14), Lucknow SuperGiants (May 18)
Punjab Kings: Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 13), Delhi Capitals (May 16)
Chennai Super Kings: Mumbai Indians (May 12), Gujarat Titans (May 15), Rajasthan Royals (May 20)
Aftermath
The Gujarat Titans have shown real promise in their maiden season in the Indian Premier League. They are the most consistent team in the season and have secured a place in the playoffs as the first team in this year’s edition. Among the other teams, Lucknow SuperGiants, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are in good position for a playoff berth.
Read Shakib tests positive for Covid-19
However, the Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, and Chennai Super Kings all have an outside chance to advance to the next round of IPL 2022. Aside from that, the most successful team in Indian Premier League history, Mumbai Indians are having a particularly difficult season this year. They are already out of contention for the knockout phase after only two victories in eleven games.
Shakib tests positive for Covid-19
Bangladesh star allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has tested positive for Covid-19 and thus he will not be available for the first Test against Sri Lanka starting from May 15 in Chattogram, it's been confirmed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Shakib’s unavailability surely comes as a blow for the hosts ahead of this series which is a part of the ICC World Test Championship.
It was not immediately clear if BCB will call a replacement for Shakib.
Shakib missed the second Test of the two-match series against South Africa due to a family emergency.
However, the allrounder took part in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League for the Legends of Rupganj.
READ: Shakib to play for Legends of Rupganj in Dhaka League
While the first Test of the Sri Lanka series will begin on May 15, the second and final Test will be played in Dhaka from May 23.
Bangladesh team is already in Chattogram while Sri Lanka are busy playing a two-day practice match in BKSP on May 10 and 11. They will travel to Chattogram after this practice match.
Rain interrupts Sri Lanka’s preparation for Bangladesh Tests
Ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka got a two-day practice match at BKSP. But the most part of the first day of this match was washed away due to persistent rain.
The umpires called off the day after 8.3 overs. Sri Lanka were batting at 14 for one Asitha Fernando and Kusal Mendis were at the crease for 7 and 5 respectively.
Mukidul Islam bagged the only wicket that Sri Lanka have lost so far.
According to the Met office forecast, the rain will continue on Wednesday and it’s unlikely for Sri Lanka to have an ideal practice match.
The first Test of the series is scheduled to begin on May 15 in Chattogram. The Bangladesh team is already in the port city and they are gearing up for the series.
The second Test of the series will be played in Dhaka from May 23.
Both of these matches are parts of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
Bangladesh played six matches in this event so far and won only a match against New Zealand earlier this year. However, they failed to continue on a good run in South Africa, where they suffered two big defeats to the hosts despite showing some decent cricket in the ODI series.
Critics say that Bangladesh’s win over New Zealand early this year was a fluke affair. The onus is now on the Tigers to prove them wrong in the upcoming series against a familiar opponent.
READ: Carty is first St Maarten cricketer picked for West Indies
While Bangladesh lost their last series to South Africa, Sri Lanka lost their last to India. So the upcoming series is a great chance for both teams to regain their confidence and get back to the winning streak.
Upon their arrival, Sri Lanka’s assistant coach Naveed Nawaz said that this series is going to be a tough one for them. But he also said that his team is upbeat to pose a strong challenge to the hosts as a few members of their team have recently played in Dhaka which will surely help them to perform well.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s biggest concern is the form of the batters like Mominul Haque and Mushfiuqr Rahim.
Mominul failed to reach a double-digit total in his last five Test innings while Mushfiqur, one of the mainstays of Bangladesh in all formats of the international cricket, scored only a fifty in his last eight innings with a duck and four single-digit scores.
Bangladesh will miss the service of Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the first Test as both of them are suffering from different injuries. To replace Taskin, BCB called up two uncapped pacers and to replace Mehidy, Nayeem Hasan got a recall.