Bangladesh looking forward to restore some lost pride as they face visiting England in the crucial second and final Test of Rocket two-match series scheduled to begin tomorrow (Friday) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur.
Private satellite channel Gazi TV will provide live telecast of the match that kicks off at 10 am.
After losing the thrilling first Test in Chittagong by 22 runs earlier this week, Bangladesh have no other option but to win the second Test to save the series while the English side will be eager to extend its 100 percent record against Bangladesh by wrapping up the series.
The Tigers’ will be looking at three different options to replace pacer Shafiul Islam. They could still go with a two-man seam attack by picking Subashis Roy, who would be making his Test debut. But the place is also open for Soumya Sarkar to play as a second seamer though his variety would be of less quality, or they could go for Shuvagata, who hasn’t had a great Test record.
The Bangladesh bowling attack will bear a similar look in Dhaka too, with ace allrounder Shakib leading the pack. He will be glad to have the support of Mehedi Hasan and Taijul Islam, though the pace bowling department looks bare. Shuvagata Hom, for once, seems like a better choice as a fourth spinner.
Bangladesh has also called up Mosaddek Hossain as a back-up to Sabbir Rahman, who was suffering from a stomach problem after his valiant innings of 64 in the second innings of the first Test.
The visitors have also stuck with the top six that played in Chittagong. Ben Duckett is yet to show his wide-ranging skills while the more experienced Alastair Cook and Joe Root will expect to make runs in Dhaka. Gary Ballance could be a tense presence, fighting to extend his run in the side, but there won’t be the same issues with Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes, who had a brilliant game in the first Test in Chittagong.
Stokes’ ability to reverse the ball could away the game towards England, though he will need support from Chris Woakes and Steven Finn, who has been confirmed as a replacement for the rested Stuart Broad. England’s spinners will ultimately have to do the bulk of the bowling, especially Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. Zafar Ansari has been confirmed for a Test debut, replacing Gareth Batty.
