There's a saying that statistics don't always paint the best image. Though it has become standard practice nowadays to analyze the statistics before a game and plan accordingly. The second Test of the BAN vs SL series 2022 started on Monday (May 23) at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla stadium. The statistics on this surface heavily favour spinners. Therefore, slower bowlers will play an important role in this encounter. Let's take a look at the Mirpur ground's bowling statistics in Test format. SBNCS, Mirpur: What Do the Stats Say? While not all of the data will appear to be true in every match, knowing the history of the venue is essential for teams to develop a game plan. Bowlers play a critical role in winning Test matches. As the saying goes, bowlers win games for their teams. A team must take 20 wickets to win a match; thus, wicket-taking bowlers are essential. The ground stats are generally evaluated by the team while developing a game strategy. Which bowlers are best under these conditions? How does the pitch perform on the ground each day? What are the most successful bowlers on the ground? This sort of information assists a team in establishing a starting lineup for the match. Let's get right into the Mirpur ground stats. Read BAN vs SL Second Test 2022: Bangladesh Target Historic Series Win Sher-e-Bangla Stadium’s Bowling Stats in Test Format In the case of Sher-e-Bangla stadium, the spinners always get a special advantage from the surface. Slower bowlers enjoy bowling at this venue because of the sluggish nature of the pitches, whether it is T20 cricket, One-Day cricket, or a longer-version format. In Test cricket, spinners are a terrorizing factor for the batters. Spinners have found more grip and assistance from the surface in the last two days, making batters even more nervous. One can easily understand this by looking into the man of the match awards list in the Test format. Spinners have won more than 50% of the player of the match awards in the longer-version of cricket at the SBNCS. 12 man of the match awards were won by spinners, batters won 6, while pace bowlers won 4 of them. Now the question may arise, why do the spinners dominate the best player awards at the Mirpur ground? To know the answer to it, one has to look at the overall bowling stats and how each type of bowler has fared on this ground. Read Early wickets dent Bangladesh in Dhaka Test Overall bowling stats at the SBNCS (as on May 22, 2022) Players Match Innings Wickets BBI BBM Ave Econ 10W 253 22 441 646 8/39 12/117 32.41 3.21 6    Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ The Spinners Overall Performance at the SBNCS When spinners have taken 403 wickets out of 646, it clearly indicates that they dominate heavily at this venue. Prior to the second Test of the BAN vs SL series in 2022, spinners had taken almost 63% of wickets. This figure is enough to incite both teams to include more spinners in their playing XI. Besides, the number of spinners that have been used is more than the pacers. A total of 127 spinners have been used and bowled close to 4,000 overs in 22 matches. Besides, the economy rate is 3.14 for the spinner, which is much better than the pacers. The most successful spinner at this ground is Shakib Al Hasan, who has taken 63 wickets in 30 innings with an average of 32.03. Read Bangladesh opt to bat first in Dhaka Test vs Sri Lanka The overall bowling stats of the spinners at SBNCS (as on May 22, 2022) Players Match Innings Wickets BBI BBM Ave Econ 10W 127 22 252 403 8/39 12/117 31.09 3.14 5    Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ The Pacers Overall Performance at the SBNCS One of the reasons fast bowlers haven’t been as impressive as the spinners at the Mirpur ground is that Bangladesh is a predominantly spin-reliant country. They have plenty more options in spin bowling than in pace bowling. However, things have improved over the last 2-3 years. Bangladesh has recently produced some quality pacers who have performed well on the international stage. The expectation is that the pacers will also be as dominant as the spinners at this venue in the future. Overall, 94 pacers have been used at this venue and they have maintained an economy rate of less than 3.50, which is good. The Pacers have also bowled significantly fewer overs than the spinners. They have bowled just over 2,500 overs. The most successful pacer at this ground is India’s Zaheer Khan, who picked up 17 wickets in just two matches with an average of 13.94. Read Anamul’s hard work pays off as squads for WI tour announced The overall bowling stats of the fast bowlers at SBNCS (as on May 22, 2022) Players Match Innings Wickets BBI BBM Ave Econ 10W 94 22 185 243 7/87 10/149 34.54 3.32 1    Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Aftermath  According to the overall bowling statistics in the Test format, the spinners obviously rule at the SBNCS, Mirpur. They will be much more effective in the last two days when batsmen will find it difficult to survive the pitch. Having said that, the pacers will also play a role in providing the necessary breakthroughs. However, the battle between spinners and batters in the second Test of the BAN vs SL series 2022 will be fascinating to witness.  Read Mominul eyes series win as Dhaka Test begins Monday

For over 15 years, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim have been representing Bangladesh's national team in all formats. Their contribution to elevating Bangladesh cricket to new heights is unparalleled. These two are Bangladesh's highest run scorers on the international stage. They are regularly passing each other on the leaderboard of most run getters. These two veterans have the chance to attain special milestones in the ongoing BAN vs SL Series 2022. So, what exactly is this great milestone? Approaching milestones for Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim have a long list of international records and honors. These two seasoned cricketers are on the verge of accomplishing historic feats, which they hope to attain during the BAN vs SL Series 2022. Five Thousand Runs in Test Cricket Middle-order batter Mushfiqur Rahim is currently leading the most Test run scorers chart for Bangladesh with 4,932 runs. He is only 68 runs away from becoming the first Bangladesh player to score 5,000 runs in the Test format. Scoring five thousand Test runs is always a special achievement, which shows the amount of time a player has played the longer-version of cricket. Read Where to Watch BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 Live Streaming from Bangladesh? Mushfiqur made his Test debut against England in May 2005. His highest Test innings is 219 against Zimbabwe in 2018. He is the only Bangladesh batter to have three double hundreds in Tests. Mushfiqur is undoubtedly hoping to reach the milestone in the first match of the BAN vs SL series 2022. On the other hand, the left-hand opener, Tamim Iqbal is in the second position on the most Test run scorers chart for Bangladesh with 4,848 runs. He needs 152 runs to hit the 5,000-run mark in the longer-version format. Tamim Iqbal played his debut Test match away from home against New Zealand in 2008. His best Test innings is 206 against Pakistan. Both players can attain this unique feat in the ongoing first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. However, the most intriguing factor is who will become the first Bangladeshi to reach the 5,000-run mark in Test cricket. Tamim Iqbal, as an opener, will get an edge over Mushfiqur Rahim. But Mushfiqur can capitalize on an opportunity if Tamim fails with the bat in the first innings. Regardless of who becomes the first player to reach the milestone, both are likely to celebrate their unique achievements at the end of this Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka bilateral Test series. Read BAN vs SL 2022: Bangladesh eye to win the first Test against Sri Lanka Bangladesh's top five run scorers in Tests Player Innings Runs HS Ave 100s Mushfiqur Rahim 148 4,932 219* 36.26 7 Tamim Iqbal 125 4,848 206 39.41 9 Shakib Al Hasan 109 4,029 217 39.50 5 Mominul Haque 95 3,514 181 39.48 11 Habibul Bashar 99 3,026 113 30.87 3    Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Read Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds dies in road crash Bottom Line  Both Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim are crucial for Bangladesh in the BAN vs SL Series 2022. They both have a unique role to play in the contest, which might have a significant effect on the series' outcome. Besides, the opportunity to achieve 5,000 runs in the Test format will surely inspire them to do even better in this bilateral series.

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.

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. Read IPL 2022: Jos Buttler's Record-Breaking Knock Helps Rajasthan Reach the Top 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/ Read Sheikh Jamal, Legends of Rupganj in Pole Position to Win DPL 2022 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. Read Mosharraf Hossain Rubel: The late cricketer's major achievements as a player 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