Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022
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.
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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
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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?
BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
The BAN vs SL Test series 2022 is anticipated to be exciting, as both teams are confident in their ability to compete. Sri Lanka are under pressure to make a strong comeback in the forthcoming series following their previous series loss to India. On the other side, Bangladesh are hoping to win a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time. However, the hosts will find it difficult to win a longer-version series. They need key players to step up during the competition. Let’s look at the five players who might be crucial for Bangladesh in the upcoming Test series.
Five Key Bangladesh Players for BAN vs SL Test Series 2022
Both the squads have some genuine talented cricketers who have the ability to change the scenario of a game. However, team tigers should feel confident in that perspective as on home soil, anyone can burst into the scene and do the job for the hosts. Let's have a glance at five Bangladesh players’ Test statistics who can be a difference-maker.
Mominul Haque
Test Inn: 95 | Runs: 3,514 | HS: 181 | Ave: 39.48 | 100s: 11
Test skipper Mominul Haque was recently heavily criticized for not showing enough leadership aptitude during the South Africa series. One of the criticisms was that the seniors' influence heavily on his decision-making. Mominul must demonstrate to everyone that he possesses leadership qualities and can guide the Test side with a clear vision.
Apart from his captaincy role, Mominul will be crucial for Bangladesh’s middle order. Thankfully, the left-hander has a brilliant record at home and there is an expectation that Mominul will find his rhythm during the series.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: What would the combined XI look like?
Tamim Iqbal
Test Inn: 125 | Runs: 4,848 | HS: 206 | Ave: 39.41 | 100s: 9
The veteran Tamim Iqbal will be vital for Bangladesh to strengthen the top order. He has to anchor the innings in order to give Bangladesh a great platform. If Tamim plays to his full potential, Bangladesh will surely find a good position in their innings.
Litton Das
Test Inn: 53 | Runs: 1,730 | HS: 114 | Ave: 33.26 | 100s: 2
Consistency is one of Litton Das's biggest problems. However, he has been in great form in the Test format over the past year. Litton has 871 runs in 19 innings with an average of 45.84 since January 2021. He will most likely bat in the middle order, with the responsibility of guiding Bangladesh's innings to a competitive total.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
Taijul Islam
Test Match: 36 | Wickets: 153 | BBI: 8/39 | Ave: 32.01 | 5Ws: 10
Left-arm orthodox spinner, Taijul’s home record has been excellent, with 115 wickets in 23 matches. Facing him in Bangladesh’s conditions is a nightmare for the opposition batters. The Lankan batting line-up will surely face an uphill task against Taijul Islam, especially on days 4 and 5.
Shakib Al Hasan
Test Match: 59 | Runs: 4,029 | HS: 217 | Ave: 39.50 | 100s: 5 | Wickets: 215 | BBI: 7/36 | Ave: 31.30 | 5Ws: 18
Tigers' biggest weapon in the series will be Shakib Al Hasan. He will lead the hosts' spin attack and could play a key role in the middle order. Shakib in his finest form is capable of putting the Lankan team under pressure and taking the game away from them.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
Aftermath
At home, anyone from Bangladesh's team can fire up against Sri Lanka. However, the five key Bangladeshi players named above are more likely to step up for the hosts. Captain Mominul bears the main responsibility for bringing the team together, which is essential for team success. The efficient spin of Taijul Islam, the all-round contribution of Shakib Al Hasan, the anchor role of Tamim Iqbal as an opener, and Litton Das' recent Test form can all help Bangladesh win the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022.
BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
The Sri Lanka cricket team arrived in Dhaka on Sunday (May 8) afternoon to take part in a Test series against Bangladesh. The Lankans should feel confident ahead of the contest as they have a way better Test record than the tigers. However, Bangladesh team’s performance has been improving, and they have minimized the gap in recent years. Will Sri Lanka maintain their dominance, or will Bangladesh end their hegemony and make history in the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022? Let's take a look at head-to-head Test records between the two teams.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Head-to-head Bilateral Test series record
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board announced the best possible squad for the Bangladesh series, which includes some uncapped players. On the other hand, all the expected names were included in the Tigers Test squad.
The eleventh bilateral Test series (BAN vs SL):
This will be their eleventh Test series together. Both sides had played 10 bilateral Test series previously. Sri Lanka hosted six series, while Bangladesh hosted four. Nine series have been won by Sri Lanka, with one series ending in a draw. In fact, Bangladesh have only defeated Sri Lanka once.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
Noteworthy Test records between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
The following are some of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka's most noteworthy Test records.
Significant Test Records between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
Matches Played (22)
1
17
Most Runs
Mohammad Ashraful (1090 runs in 26 innings)
Kumar Sangakkara (1816 runs in 21 innings)
Highest Score
Mushfiqur Rahim (200)
Kumar Sangakkara (319)
Most Hundred
Mohammad Ashraful (5)
Kumar Sangakkara (7)
Most Wickets
Shakib Al Hasan (29)
Muthiah Muralidaran (89)
Best Bowling Figures
Shakib Al Hasan (5/70)
Rangana Herath (7/89)
Most Matches
Mushfiqur Rahim (15)
Kumar Sangakkara (15)
Highest Partnership
Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim (267)
FDM Karunaratne and DM de Silva (345)
Most Catches
Shahriar Nafees (8)
Mahela Jayawardene (17)
Most Dismissals
Litton Das (16)
Prasanna Jayawardene (29)
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
BAN vs SL Test series 2022: Venue Stats
First Test (15-19 May):
The first Test match of the forthcoming BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 will be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
Test Matches: 21 | Highest Individual Innings: 319 (Kumar Sangakkara) | Best Bowling Figure in an Innings: 7/36 (Shakib Al Hasan) | Highest Team innings: 713/9d | Lowest Team Innings: 119
Bangladesh’s Test record (ZACS): Win: 2 | Lost: 13 | Draw: 6
Sri Lanka’s Test record (ZACS): Win: 2 | Lost: 0 | Draw: 2.
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Second Test (23-27 May):
The second Test match of the series will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Test Matches: 22 | Highest Individual Innings: 226 (Azhar Ali) | Best Bowling Figure in an Innings: 8/39 (Taijul Islam) | Highest Team innings: 730/6d | Lowest Team Innings: 87
Bangladesh’s Test record (SBNCS): Win: 6 | Lost: 13 | Draw: 3
Sri Lanka’s Test record (SBNCS): Win: 3 | Lost: 0 | Draw: 0.
Read Nayeem added to Test squad to replace injured Mehidy
Recent Test records of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Neither team has had a good record in the longer-version format in recent years. Bangladesh have lost eight of their eleven Test matches since 2021, winning only two. On the contrary, Sri Lanka have lost five of their eleven Test matches since 2021, while winning three.
Both sides have failed to perform well in the Test format. Some of Bangladesh's prominent players have continued to skip Test series following the post covid-19 phase. On the other hand, Sri Lanka have failed to compete as a unit. The hosts should be in a stronger position to put the visitors under strain since all of Bangladesh's senior players are available for this series.
Read Sri Lankan cricket team arrives in Dhaka
Bottom Line
Sri Lanka have the upper hand against Bangladesh in a head-to-head battle. A relatively inexperienced Lankan side will play a competitive Tigers Test team in the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022. This group should be confident about winning a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time since they showed some potential in their previous away Test series.
However, this Sri Lankan team isn't as good as it once was, and their recent results have been disappointing. The visitors would face huge pressure from the hosts during the series. Therefore, Sri Lanka's chances of dominating Bangladesh in the next series are slim.
Read Mustafiz should play Tests, not pick and choose: Khaled Mahmud
Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
A key member of Bangladesh's Test team, Mehidy Hasan Miraz suffered a finger injury while playing in a Dhaka Premier League match. According to the BCB's physio, Miraz's full recovery would take two to three weeks. Therefore, he was excluded from the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. Mosaddek Hossain and Nayeem Hasan were chosen to replace the injured Miraz. Let's see who has the best longer-version record to earn a place in the playing XI of the BAN vs SL series 2022's Chattogram Test.
Test Records of Mosaddek Hossain and Nayeem Hasan
Mosaddek Hossain and Nayeem Hasan have both played Test cricket for Bangladesh. Nayeem Hasan is more consistent than Mosaddek in the Test format. Nayeem has appeared in seven Tests, whereas Mosaddek has only been in three. Nayeem Hasan is a specialist off-spinner, which is one of the reasons he plays more longer-version cricket than Mosaddek. Specialist players are given more preference in Test cricket than regular all-rounders.
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Test Profile of Mosaddek Hossain
Mosaddek made his Test debut in 2017 against Sri Lanka, and his most recent match was in September 2019 against Afghanistan. He has 164 runs and a 41-run average in three outings. Mosaddek has the highest score of 75 in this format, which he achieved against Sri Lanka. He is also a good off-spinner, especially in limited-version formats. Mosaddek is yet to take a wicket in a Test match.
Mosaddek Hossain’s Test Stats
Match
Runs
HS
Ave
50s
3
164
75
41.00
1
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
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Nayeem Hasan’s Test Profile
Nayeem Hasan made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2018, and his most recent encounter came in February 2021 against the same opponents. He is a promising off-spinner with 25 wickets at a strike rate of 26.24 in seven games. Nayeem has two fifers in his career, with his best bowling figures of 5/61 against the West Indies. Nayeem can also bat and he has the ability to play crucial knocks in the lower order.
Nayeem Hasan’s Test Stats
Match
Wickets
BBI
Ave
5W
7
25
5/61
26.24
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
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Who would be a better fit for Bangladesh's team against Sri Lanka?
Given their respective Test performances, Nayeem Hasan should have the upper hand against Mosaddek Hossain. Nayeem is a wicket-taking off-spinner who may be even more devastating against the Lankan batting order in Bangladesh's conditions. Nayeem may be a potential match-winner on day four or five when the surface offers more bounce and turn for the slower bowlers. Furthermore, Nayeem's abilities as a batter in the lower order can help Bangladesh's innings.
Mosaddek Hossain, on the other hand, is a limited-overs specialized all-rounder, but his all-round abilities in the longer-version format may not be as impactful. Mosaddek can help with a good knock with the bat. Though, in bowling, he may not be the best choice because the Bangladesh team requires a proper off-spinner in their playing XI. In this scenario, Nayeem Hasan, rather than Mosaddek Hossain, would be the best pick to play the first Test in Chattogram.
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Test Schedule of BAN vs SL Series 2022
First Test: 15-19 May | Venue: Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Second Test: 23-17 May | Venue: Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
Bottom Line
The head coach and captain usually have the final say when it comes to selecting players for a game. However, the opinions of the Bangladesh team management and senior players will be taken into account when picking the playing XI for the first Test of the BAN vs SL series 2022. Chattogram's pitch will most likely be more conducive to batting than Dhaka's.
Read BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis
Therefore, adding a specialized spinner rather than a batting all-rounder might be a wiser option. However, the Bangladesh team may want to have a strong batting lineup. Anyone who will get the opportunity to play in the match should try to make the most of it by giving their all for the Bangladesh team.
BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis
The national men's cricket team of Sri Lanka is set to arrive in Bangladesh in the second week of May for a two-match Test series against the hosts. The series will begin in Chattogram on May 15 and will be part of the ICC Test Championship's second edition. The Bangladesh Cricket Board named a 16-man team for the longer-version contest on Sunday. The squad includes all of the expected names, ensuring that a full-strength team will challenge the Sri Lankan Test side. Check out Bangladesh's squad for the BAN vs SL series 2022.
Bangladesh’s Test Squad for BAN vs SL Series 2022
The BCB named a 16-man squad on April 24 for the Test series against Sri Lanka. Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi were not selected for the upcoming series because of their recent performances on the international stage.
In-form Taskin Ahmed was not selected due to an injury. Oppositely, Shoriful Islam was picked, although his participation in the series will be contingent on his fitness. Furthermore, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was not considered for this longer-version contest.
Read: BAN vs SL Series 2022: Mustafizur's versatile bowling could have been beneficial for Bangladesh
The ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the South Africa series due to family obligations, has returned to the Test team. Promising cricketer Rejaur Rahman Raja has also been included in the squad as the fifth pacer.
All of the anticipated names were selected for the Sri Lanka series, which will be led by Mominul Haque. Tamim Iqbal is poised to open Bangladesh's innings alongside promising youngster Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Bangladesh will have a good chance of winning the Test series because the Sri Lankan team is likely to be inexperienced.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test Series 2022 Fixtures
First Test: May 15-19 May | Venue: ZACS, Chattogram
Second Test: 23-27 May | Venue: SBNCS, Dhaka
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Bangladesh Squad:
Mominul Haque (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Mahedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam.
The Major Highlights of the Declared Squad
Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi dropped
The selectors decided to leave both Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi out of the series against Sri Lanka since they have struggled in the recent international Test series for Bangladesh. Shadman Islam has scored 284 runs in his past 14 innings, including a century and a half-century, according to statistics dating back to January 2021. On the other hand, Abu Jayed Rahi has only taken 6 wickets in his last six innings since 2021.
Read: Bangladesh announces squad for Sri Lanka series
Shakib Al Hasan is back in the squad
Due to family obligations, Shakib Al Hasan was unable to participate in the Test series against South Africa. Shakib's mother was ill, and his mother-in-law died of cancer in April. Shakib's inclusion in the Bangladesh squad will undoubtedly benefit the team.
Mustafizur Rahman overlooked
Bangladesh's most talented pacer, Mustafizur Rahman last played a Test match in early 2021 against the West Indies, and he hasn't played any of Bangladesh's past ten Test matches. Mustafizur Rahman isn't interested in playing the longer-version format, preferring instead to concentrate on the shorter formats. However, Mustafizur's bowling could have been quite effective against Sri Lanka in Bangladesh's conditions. Mustafizur should have been selected for the series by the selectors.
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Uncapped Rejaur Rahman Raja included
Pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja was named for the Pakistan series in December but did not play a single international match. The right-arm medium-fast bowler has 36 first-class wickets at an average of 24.61 in 11 matches. Rejaur Rahman's bowling abilities might surprise everyone if he is given a chance to play against Sri Lanka.
Bottom Line
Bangladesh team is expected to start the series against Sri Lanka as favourites, thanks to a full-strength Test lineup. Bangladesh will be able to overcome a relatively weak Sri Lankan Test side if they play to their full potential. Furthermore, this Sri Lankan squad recently suffered a humiliating defeat in a Test series against the Indian team.
As a result, their confidence level would be a little lower when they encounter the hosts. Aside from that, there's a lot to play for, since this will be Bangladesh's fourth bilateral Test Championship contest. Bangladesh's standing in the ICC World Test Championship would improve significantly if they whitewash Sri Lanka.
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BAN vs SL Series 2022: Mustafizur's versatile bowling could have been beneficial for Bangladesh
The BCB recently gave the left-arm bowler the go-ahead to play in the IPL instead of the Test series against South Africa. Bangladesh's selectors are not keen on Mustafizur's involvement in the Test format since the country has plenty of pace bowling alternatives and they didn’t pick him for the Sri Lanka series as well. However, Mustafizur could have led Bangladesh's pace attack in the BAN vs SL Series 2022 given the current batch of Bangladesh pacers' experience.
Mustafizur Rahman’s Test Profile
Mustafizur Rahman's recent performance in Test cricket is one of the key reasons why the Bangladeshi team management has been hesitant to pick him. The left-hand pacer hasn't been as outstanding as he was early in his career in the longer version format. Mustafizur made his Test debut in Chattogram against South Africa in 2015. He took four wickets in his first encounter and was named player of the match for his outstanding bowling performance. However, the left-hand pacer hasn't progressed much as a longer-version bowler.
Read Bangladesh announces squad for Sri Lanka series
Mustafizur's bowling average was 14.50 in 2015, which was a remarkable figure for a rookie bowler. Mustafizur had a respectable bowling average in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, he got a 36.38 bowling average, while in 2018, he had a 38.71 average. However, his Test performance has slipped in recent years, and he has only played in one Test match in each of the years 2019 and 2021. Mustafizur has yet to pick up a fifer for Bangladesh in Test format.
Many argue that Mustafizur's lack of enthusiasm for the Test format has harmed his gameplay. He is now more interested in playing limited-overs cricket and the Indian Premier League since the shorter-version format provides players with more money than the longer-version format. That is why Mustafizur Rahman prefers to play for Bangladesh in ODIs and T20Is but not in Tests. Mustafizur Rahman last played a Test match in February 2021 against the West Indies. Bangladesh have played ten Test matches since then, but Mustafizur hasn't participated in any of them.
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Mustafizur Rahman’s Test Stats
Match
Wickets
BBI
BBM
Average
Econ
4W
14
30
4/37
5/66
36.73
3.28
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
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Why do Bangladesh need Mustafizur Rahman in the Test Series against Sri Lanka?
Two of Bangladesh's most skilled bowlers, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam will be unavailable for the Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins in mid-May. Though Shoriful’s participation in the series is subject to his fitness.
Therefore, Bangladesh selectors picked Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Shohidul Islam for the upcoming BAN vs SL Series 2022. However, none of the bowlers are well-known wicket-takers, and the hosts needed a fast bowler who can frighten the Lankan batting line-up on Bangladesh's slow surfaces.
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Mustafizur Rahman could have been a good pace-bowling option on this kind of surface in this circumstance. He has a bowling average of 31.50 in Bangladesh, and, more importantly, his bowling style is ideal for these conditions. Sri Lankan batters could have been in real danger against Mustafizur's cutter and slower deliveries.
Bottom Line
Mustafizur Rahman is an outstanding medium-pacer in the limited-overs format. He understands how to succeed on slow surfaces in Bangladesh. Mustafizur's bowing could have been crucial for Bangladesh against a less-experienced Sri Lankan Test side in the upcoming BAN vs SL Series 2022, despite his Test records not being as outstanding as his ODI or T20 stats.
Read 2023 ICC Test Championship: Best batting and bowling performances thus far