Bangladesh will play New Zealand in their second Test series of the current ICC Test Championship's second cycle (2021-2023), starting January 1. Bangladesh were thrashed by Pakistan in the inaugural series of their Test Championship in December and is presently ranked eighth in the standings. Oppositely New Zealand are now in sixth place in the standings. Bangladesh must give it their all if they want to earn some points in the series. Let's have a look at the five Bangladesh players that can make a difference in the NZ vs BAN Test series 2022.    

Key Bangladesh players in New Zealand vs Bangladesh Test series

Bangladesh selectors picked an 18-man squad for the two-match Test series. Here are five players that have a chance to make a significant impact during the contest.

Mominul Haque (Captain, Middle-order batter)

M: 47 | Runs: 3,363 | HS: 181 | Ave: 41.01 | 100s: 11

Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque hasn't been in the best of form in recent international series. Mominul's batting average was 50 a few years ago, but it has dropped to 40 due to a poor run of form on the international stage. However, Mominul has the best Test average among Bangladesh players, and he must bat with a great deal of responsibility. Mominul's decision-making as a captain will also be important for Bangladesh.

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Mushfiqur Rahim (Middle-order batter)

M: 77 | Runs: 4,856 | HS: 219* | Ave: 37.06 | 100s: 7

Mushfiqur Rahim is the most seasoned batter in the squad. His presence in the middle order will bolster confidence in the Bangladesh batting lineup. Mushfiqur delivered one of his finest Test innings in New Zealand in 2017. So, Rahim and other Bangladeshi players may take a lot of inspiration from the innings. Mr. Reliable Mushfiqur's main priority will be to anchor the innings in the absence of experienced Tamim Iqbal. Bangladesh team management will be hoping that Rahim will find his best form in this series.   

Liton Das (Wicket-keeper, batter)

M: 27 | Runs: 1,453 | HS: 114 | Ave: 32.28 | 100s: 1

Liton Das has struggled in the limited-version formats, but his recent Test performances have been outstanding. Liton made 594 runs in 12 innings, averaging 49.50 this year. Liton’s Test stats for 2021 is unquestionably a positive sign for the Bangladesh team. In the middle order, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das have the ability to change the scenario of a game. Therefore, Liton's batting in the lower middle order will be crucial for Bangladesh.

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Taijul Islam (Left-arm Spinner)

M: 35 | Wkts: 144 | BBI: 8/39 | Ave: 32.61 | 5W: 9

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has established himself as Bangladesh's main strike bowler in Test cricket. Taijul has taken the most Test wickets for Bangladesh in 2021. With a 30.50 average, he took 30 wickets in ten innings this year. Taijul has sharpened his skills as a genuine longer-version bowler. He bowls with superb control and has a lot of good variations. Despite the fact that New Zealand surfaces help faster bowlers, Taijul's spin may make a difference in the crucial stages. 

Taskin Ahmed (Pacer)

M: 8 | Wkts: 20 | BBI: 4/82 | Ave: 53.75 | 5W: 0   

Taskin Ahmed was a very ordinary bowler a few years ago. However, his transformation during the covid-19 epidemic is truly inspirational to all cricketers. He now has better ball control than he had before. Taskin Ahmed has learned how to take wickets in the longer version of the game. He aims to get wickets by being consistent in his bowling. Taskin will be more effective in New Zealand's conditions. Therefore, the Bangladesh campaign is hoping for a strong showing from him.

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Bottom Line

The Bangladesh Test cricket team will have to play as a unit to demonstrate their real potential during the NZ vs BAN Test series 2022. Head coach Russell Domingo, captain Mominul Haque, and the team management must devise an effective game plan for the contest. Though the main goal would be to bring the squad together in order to perform well on the field. The five players stated above will be crucial for Bangladesh in this longer-version series. They will have to carry most of the burden if Bangladesh want to gain their first points in the Test Championship.