United News of Bangladesh

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.

Sri Lanka continued to thrive in Chattogram Test against Bangladesh. At lunch of day 2, they were batting at 327 for six on Monday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.  Nayeem Hasan, who had taken two wickets in the first session of the match, came up again and scalped two more wickets in the first session of day two. Also read:Mathews stands tall as Sri Lanka end day 1 at 258/4 Nayeem was not a part of the initial squad for this series. A finger injury to Mehidy Hasan Miraz paved the way for him, and Nayeem seems to enjoy this chance on the middle.  Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal started day two where they left off on day one. Chandimal completed his 21st Test fifty before departing while Mathews was unbeaten at 147 before the umpires called for lunch.  After Chandimal’s dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella came in and went out for three in the same over of Nayeem.  Also read: Nayeem takes two as Sri Lanka post 73/2 at day 1 lunch Bangladesh could have taken another wicket had they not missed to hear a nick from Mathews in the 94th over bowled by Khaled Ahmed. No bowler, wicketkeeper or any other fielder heard the nick and thus Mathews got a life.  Earlier, Sri Lanka ended up on day one at 258 for four. Along the way, Mathews got his 12 Test century— after a gap of 11 innings, and it was his maiden Test ton against Bangladesh. 

Angelo Mathews hit an unbeaten century on Sunday to guide Sri Lanka to comfortably finish at 258-4 the first day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram. Bangladesh bagged two wickets in the opening session at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, but in the post-lunch session, Sri Lanka held firm without losing any more wicket despite some good bowling from Bangladesh. After losing two wickets for 66 runs, Kusal Mendis and Mathews added 92 runs to the board which eventually helped Sri Lanka to put up a good total. Also read: Nayeem takes two as Sri Lanka post 73/2 at day 1 lunch Mendis fell after hitting a fifty, but Mathews showed his grit on way to his 11th Test tome on a wicket that looked good to bat on. He ended the day on an unbeaten 114 off 213 with 14 fours and one six. It was his first century in 12 innings. His last ton came up against England in Galle in 2021. “It was a very good wicket, so somebody had to go big and bat for long,” Mathews told the broadcaster. “On a placid wicket like this, first innings total is important. Bangladesh bowled well, it wasn't easy for us to go big. I hope it will turn on day 3 and day 4.” Also read: Sri Lanka opt to bat first in Chattogram Test Along with Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal also remained not out for 34. For Bangladesh, Nayeem Hasan bagged two wickets while Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam scalped one wicket each.

At lunch break of day one of the Chattogram Test, Sri Lanka posted 73 for two in 24 overs after they opted to bat first winning the toss.  Nayeem Hasan, the off-spinner, bagged two wickets for the hosts including the Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne (8) in the eighth over of the innings.  After Karunaratne, Nayeem removed Oshada Fernando (36) who was set well in the wicket.  Nayeem was not in the squad for this series. But a finger injury to Mehidy Hasan Miraz paved the way for Nayeem. He managed to justify his place at the first chance.  After the openers were sent back, Kusal Mendis and veteran Angelo Mathews paired up in the third wicket stand. Mendis scored 27 while Mathews is yet to score a run. READ: Sri Lanka opt to bat first in Chattogram Test Both teams enjoyed an even session at the start of the Chattogram Test where the wicket looks good to bat on.  Bangladesh secured the service of Shakib Al Hasan in this Test who was doubtful of his fitness. The allrounder just recovered from Covid-19.  This series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship. Bangladesh played six matches in this event and won only a match against New Zealand. 

Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds died in a road accident. He was 46. He was a big-hitting allrounder who built a credible test career and was an exemplar of Australian sport’s prized larrikin tradition. “Australian cricket has lost another of its very best. Andrew was a generational talent who was instrumental in Australia’s success at World Cups and as part of Queensland’s rich cricket history,” Cricket Australia chairman Lachlan Henderson said in a statement Sunday. “He was a cult figure to many (and) was treasured by his fans and friends.” Cricket Australia reported details of Symonds’ death on its website, citing a police statement with details of the accident late Saturday night near the northeastern city of Townsville, Queensland state. It described Symonds as “a cult hero” and a “larger-than-life figure who drew a widespread fan base during his peak years for not only his hard-hitting ways but his larrikin persona.” Symonds’ wife, Laura, told the Courier-Mail newspaper that the family was in shock. “He was such a big person and there is just so much of him in his kids,” she said. Tall, broad-shouldered and dreadlocked, his face daubed in zinc cream, Symonds had an imposing physical presence. He was born in Birmingham, England to a father believed to be of Afro-Caribbean heritage. His adoptive parents moved to Australia when he was an infant. Symonds was able to hit the ball exceptionally hard and some coaches early in his career dismissed him only as a big-hitter whose untempered appetite for sixes would limit his progress. But he also could bowl sharp medium pace and off breaks and was an athletic fielder who was able to build a credible test career. Symonds played 26 test matches for Australia from 2004-2008, posting two centuries, but he was better known as a limited-overs specialist. He played 198 one-day internationals for Australia and won World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007. The 2007-2008 season was his most prolific in test cricket and was capped by a superb innings of 162 against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It was the same year he famously felled a naked pitch invader during a one-day international against India at the Gabba ground in Brisbane, hitting him with a rugby-style shoulder charge. He explained years later that he’d been raised not to take a backward step. “In the heat of competition there’s a lot of adrenaline and when someone interrupts the match like that it can be frustrating,” he said. Symonds was a fan of rugby league, and Australia’s National Rugby League planned to hold a minute of silence as a tribute to the cricket star ahead of its match Sunday between the North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers in Brisbane. In one-day internationals, among his best innings was an unbeaten 143 from 125 balls against Pakistan at the 2003 World Cup when he was far from established in the Australian team. Australia went on to win the tournament. After retiring as a player, Symonds became a popular commentator for cricket broadcasts. READ: Sri Lanka opt to bat first in Chattogram Test Former Australian captain Allan Border said Symonds “hit the ball a long way and just wanted to entertain. “He was, in a way, a little bit of an old-fashioned cricketer,” Border told the Nine Network. “He was an adventurer, loved his fishing, he loved hiking, camping. People liked his very laid-back style.” Symonds famously attended an early contract meeting with Australian Cricket chief executive Malcolm Speed bare-footed and wearing a cowboy hat. He retained that disdain for convention throughout his career and that was part of his appeal to fans. But he increasingly came into conflict with authority late in his career. In 2008 he missed Australia’s one-day series against Bangladesh after going fishing when he was required to attend a team meeting. He also was disciplined prior to the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup for breaching team rules around alcohol. Early in his career he was a close friend and confederate of Michael Clarke who went on to become Australia captain. The pair fell out when Clarke denounced aspects of Symonds’ conduct and Symonds publicly criticized Clarke’s leadership. “Some former teammates will take his side, and feed his conviction that I let him down and put ambition ahead of mateship,” Clarke wrote in his autobiography My Story. “I would say that he let me down too — that if he had understood mateship as a two-way street, he would have seen that I had to do what was right for the whole team.” Symonds’ loss is another bitter blow for Australian cricket after the death in Thailand in March of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne. Wicketkeeper Rod Marsh also died in March aged 74.

Sri Lanka have won the toss and opted to bat first in the two-match series opener in Chattogram against Bangladesh. Bangladesh included allrounder Shakib Al Hasan in the squad who was doubtful of his fitness. The allrounder just recovered from Covid-19 recently. He had to prove his fitness on Friday morning to be eligible for this match.  Shakib missed Bangladesh’s last Test series against South Africa due to a family emergency. To make a way for him, Bangladesh overlooked Yasir Ali Rabbi.  The hosts also included right-arm spinner Nayeem Hasan who was called up to replace injured Mehidy Hasan Miraz. And the left-arm spinner Taijul Islam is also in the team. Nayeem played his last Test early last year in Mirpur.  READ: BAN vs SL 2022: Bangladesh eye to win the first Test against Sri Lanka This series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship. Bangladesh played six matches in this event and won only a match against New Zealand.  Tigers are eager to prove their Test mettle against Sri Lanka who are a relatively inexperienced side than Bangladesh.  Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (w), Shakib Al Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Shoriful Islam Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando

The Bangladesh team will take on Sri Lanka on Sunday for the first of a two-match Test series. The Tigers have never defeated the Lankan team in a home Test match. Bangladesh’s only Test victory against Sri Lanka came in 2017 at the P Sara Oval away from home. Besides, they have never won a longer-version series against the Lankans. In that context, the BAN vs SL first Test 2022 will be crucial for the hosts to create history against the Lankans. Oppositely, the visitors will be hoping to start the series with a victory as the outcome of each match will have a significant impact on their ICC’s World Test Championship points standings. The first match preview is discussed in this article. Read Shakib to play first Test vs Sri Lanka The First Test Match Preview: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka The first match of the series will be held at the ZACS, Chattogram, and the scheduled start time is 10 a.m. (Bangladesh Start Time). This is known for its relatively good ground for the batters in comparison to other venues in Bangladesh. The batters will likely have a good time in the middle, especially in the first three days. This ground saw one of the most successful run chases in Test cricket last year during the Bangladesh vs West Indies match. The Windies pulled off a magnificent victory over Bangladesh on the third session of day five. This amazing stat indicates that batters can find a way to play long innings even in the last two days at Chattogram’s ZACS ground. Read Where to Watch BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 Live Streaming from Bangladesh? Top Five Highest fourth innings totals (successful run chases) Team Opposition Score Ground Year West Indies Australia 418/7 St John's, Antigua 2003 South Africa Australia 414/4 Perth 2008 India West Indies 406/4 Port of Spain 1976 Australia England 404/3 Leeds 1948 West Indies Bangladesh 395/7 Chattogram 2021    Source: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/222199.html Read Domingo reluctant to play ‘unfit’ Shakib Bangladesh Some Bangladesh batters' preferred hunting ground is Chattogram’s ZACS. One of them is skipper Mominul Haque. The left-handed batter has the best average among Bangladesh players at this ground who have played more than one match. He also has seven Test hundreds at ZACS, most by any player. Besides, Mushfiqur, Tamim, and Shakib all have good records at this venue. Therefore, batting shouldn’t be a major concern for the hosts against this Lankan Test side if they play to their full potential. Top five most Test runs at ZACS, Chattogram  Player Innings Runs HS Ave 100s Mushfiqur Rahim 33 1301 101 40.65 1 Mominul Haque 21 1203 181 66.83 7 Tamim Iqbal 29 905 109 31.20 1 Shakib Al Hasan 30 865 71 30.89 0 Kumar Sangakkara 6 598 319 99.66 2    Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Read Covid-negative Shakib 'available for first Test vs Sri Lanka' In bowling, spinners have to take the bulk of the responsibility since the pace bowling unit isn’t so strong for the hosts. In addition, Bangladesh’s spinners have excellent records at this venue as well. Shakib will lead the bowling attack, but Taijul has the ability to rip apart the opposition's batting line-up. Top five most Test wickets at ZACS, Chattogram  Player Innings Wickets BBI Ave 5W Shakib Al Hasan 30 60 7/36 32.30 4 Taijul Islam 17 38 7/116 33.84 2 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 12 29 6/80 31.20 1 Shahadat Hossain 17 22 5/71 50.00 1 Nathan Lyon 2 13 7/94 11.84 2     Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Read Reminiscence: Five Top Performances by Bangladesh Bowlers in Tests against Sri Lanka Probable playing XI Top Order: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Middle-Orders: Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (Wicket-Keeper), Nayeem Hasan, Lower-Order: Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain. Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan team is currently under pressure to make a strong comeback after a disappointing performance in their last Test series against India. The Lankan side has some seriously talented players who have the capacity to exhibit fine performance. However, will they be able to showcase their potential against a tough Bangladesh side in the BAN vs SL first Test 2022? The newly appointed Lankan head coach, Chris Silverwood, informed us that he has given license to the batters to play fearless cricket. Therefore, the batters are expected to show a positive mindset during the match. The Lankan opener and captain, Karunaratne, will be vital for them to have a strong start to the innings. Besides, Mendis and other senior players will have to play their parts properly during the contest. Read Five Best Test Knocks by Bangladesh Batters Against Sri Lanka: A Look Back In bowling, two of the young spinners—Praveen Jayawickrama and Lasith Embuldeniya, will be crucial for the Lankan side. These two already have eye-catching bowling stats in Test format, and Bangladesh’s conditions are ideal for them to enrich their records even further. So, Bangladesh bats need to be a bit cautious while playing against them. Pacer Vishwa Fernando could also provide breakthroughs for the visitors when needed. Probable Playing XI                Top Order: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Middle-Orders: Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Lower-Order: Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando  Weather Prediction and Pitch Report There is a strong possibility of rain with thunderstorms on the first two days of the match. Therefore, the persistent rain could interrupt the play. The weather conditions could improve from day three. The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium is not a batting-paradise ground; rather, it can be recognized as a sporting venue. Batters feel confident playing big innings here. The toss-winning captain may opt to bat first at this venue in order to put up a big total on board. Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022: ICC WTC standings predictions for both teams Bottom Line The BAN vs SL first Test 2022 is crucial for both the participating teams in order to stay dominant in the series. The winning team of the first Test will start as favourites prior to the second match at SBNCS, Dhaka. Besides, each match consists of 12 points in the ICC’s World Test Championship (2021–2023). Sri Lanka have a strong record in Tests over Bangladesh. So, they will be hoping to continue their dominance over them. However, this Sri Lankan squad is relatively less-experienced and the hosts have a genuine chance to make a new history. Bangladesh can win a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time ever. There is much to play for both teams in this bilateral Test series. Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh

Left-handed allrounder Shakib Al Hasan will play the first Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka starting from Sunday, confirmed Mominul Haque, the Test captain of Bangladesh. Shakib had tested positive for Covid-19 last week, and he recovered quickly as he tested negative on Friday. The allrounder joined the team on Friday evening. “Shakib was spontaneous in the practice session this morning,” Mominul said in the pre-series press conference in Chattogram. “I don't think he has any reason not to play. He will play.” Also read: Domingo reluctant to play ‘unfit’ Shakib Until the confirmation from the captain, it was uncertain about Shakib’s availability for the first Test. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials have earlier hinted that the allrounder will not be playing the first Test. Shakib was seen to have discussions with the coaches and teammates during Saturday's practice session. He was also seen as comfortable batting at the nets. Shakib’s participation will surely boost the confidence of the Tigers ahead of a series which is important for them to gather some important points. Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo had earlier said that he doesn’t want Shakib to play if the allrounder is not fully fit. But the comments of the captain proved that the coach is happy with the fitness that Shakib showed in the practice session. Shakib missed Bangladesh’s last Test series against South Africa when he had to leave the team to join his family members who were hospitalized due to different illnesses. However, Shakib took part in the ODI series in South Africa and Bangladesh won 2-1. Also read: Covid-negative Shakib 'available for first Test vs Sri Lanka' This series is a part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. Bangladesh played six matches in this event so far and won only one match against New Zealand earlier this year.

The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test Series 2022, the anticipated upcoming cricket event, is fueling the busiest periods for the Bangladesh cricket team. Bangladesh, the host of this series, welcomed the Sri Lankan cricket team on May 8. Like the last few matches of Bangladesh, Bangladeshis will be able to enjoy this series in the stadium. Besides, there is also an opportunity for live streaming at home. This feature is all about the Bangladesh tour of the Sri Lanka Cricket team along with the information on the live streaming platforms. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022 Fixture There are only two Test matches in this short Test series. BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) has already confirmed its schedule. The first Test match of this Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be held on Sunday, May 15. The match will be played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong till Thursday, May 19. The second match is scheduled for Monday 23rd May and the venue is Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. The entire series will conclude on Friday, May 27, with the last day of this second Test. Also Read: Domingo reluctant to play unfit Shakib Before starting the final series, Sri Lanka will play a warm-up Test match with Bangladesh. This match will extend to two days in BKSP stadium. The time of all of these three matches has been confirmed at 10 am Bangladesh time. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series Live Streaming Channels As always, the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test matches will be telecast live on Bangladesh's private TV channels GTV (Gazi TV) and T Sports (Titas Sports). The matches will be available live on their official YouTube channels as well.  Each match will be broadcasted live under the banner of Bantech, a private marketing agency in Bangladesh. The company has bought the rights to online live streaming and TV broadcasting of the Test series from BCB. Read Galleries open for all Bangladesh- Sri Lanka Tests The Squad of Two Teams in the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 Sri Lanka Test squad (18 in total) Dimuth Koranaratne (Captain), Dhananjaya de Silva (Vice-Captain), Kamil Mishara, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajnitha, Sumindatha, Lasith Ambuldenia, Veteran Jayabikrama, Ramesh Mendis and Kushal Mendis (will play subject to fitness). Bangladesh Test squad (18 in total) Muminul Haque (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehdi Hasan Miraj, Rahman Raja, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Liton Kumar Das, Nazmul Hossain Shant, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Shahidul Islam, Taizul Islam, Ebadat Hossain Chowdhury, Kazi Nurul Hasan, Syed Khaled Ahmed, and Shariful Islam (subject to fitness). Read Reminiscence: Five Top Performances by Bangladesh Bowlers in Tests against Sri Lanka In A Nutshell So far, we have discussed where to watch BAN vs SL 2022 test series live streaming. Despite the match statistics against Bangladesh, the Bangladeshis are looking forward to the Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka Test series 2022. The two countries have played a total of 22 international Test matches. Sri Lanka won 17, while Bangladesh got only one win. There were 4 draws, where both teams were in an equal position. So the wind of victory is in favor of the Sri Lankans. Even then, since nothing can be said for sure in the cricket battle, the fans of the Bangladesh national team are waiting for winning the series. Read Five Best Test Knocks by Bangladesh Batters Against Sri Lanka: A Look Back

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said  allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, who recovered from Covid, is set to join the home team to play first Test against Sri Lanka beginning on Sunday. Shakib has tested negative  less than a week after being tested positive. However,  Russell Domingo, the head coach of Bangladesh, said he is not willing to include an unfit Shakib. “Coming straight into a Test match (is tough),” he said on Friday while addressing the media in Chattogram. “We need to check his fitness and assess where he is. He has just come off Covid, and he hasn’t played much cricket. He’s obviously a big player for us, and balances the team. But we need to see how he is tomorrow. He hasn’t batted or bowled for the last two or three weeks. It is five days of cricket. It is hot (here in Chattogram). There are all sorts of things to consider.” Read: Covid-negative Shakib 'available for first Test vs Sri Lanka' This series is a part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship where Bangladesh played six matches and won only one against New Zealand earlier this year. Bangladesh failed to impress in the previous cycle, so they are eager to prove their Test expertise in this series. The pressure is high after their 2-0 defeat in the last series against South Africa which brought a question to the fore— Is Bangladesh’s win in New Zealand a fluke? The Bangladesh team has to come up with an answer, and the SriLanka series is a perfect chance for them. And Shakib could play a pivotal role in this challenge, though, the head coach said: “Anybody would want a fully fit Shakib in your best XI. It is very difficult to play if he is 50-60  fit.” If Bangladesh want to make this series a successful outing, they have to prove that they are capable enough to take all 20 wickets of Sri Lanka who are equipped with some seasoned performers like Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Bangladesh coach said he is confident with his bowling attack. “I just told the bowlers this morning that we got 36 wickets in two Tests in South Africa. I don’t think Bangladesh has got that many wickets (in a series),” Domingo said. “We are confident that we can take 20 wickets. We need to have five bowling options. We have been short in that particular department when Shakib doesn’t play. Someone who can bowl those 12-13 overs a day, which is so important.” Read: NZ cricket great McCullum hired to coach England’s test team If Bangladesh has to play without Shakib in Chattogram, Mosaddek Hossian Saikat might be an alternative to the left-handed allrounder as Domingo wants someone who can bowl a few overs when the team needs. “He is definitely in consideration to play if Shakib is not playing,” Domingo said when he was asked if he considers Mosaddek as an alternative to Shakib. “I think we need to consider someone who can bowl. Yasir (Ali) has played some really good innings for us, but we need to find someone who can bowl 10-15 overs. I am not sure if Mominul is confident of bowling 10-15 overs. (Nazmul Hossain) Shanto is not quite there to bowl 6-7 overs a day. We need to find that person when Shakib is not there. When he is there, it’s easy. But he has not been there much.”