Bangladesh faces challenge of winning overseas Tests

Dhaka – Bangladesh have played 51 overseas Tests and won just four of them. Ahead of another Test series away from home of the Tigers against New Zealand starting from February 28, a common question was raised- will Bangladesh be able to strengthen their overseas record in Tests?

Bangladesh have lost the three-match ODI series against the same opponent ahead of the Tests which has created a fresh concern regarding the performance of the Tigers in the toughest form of cricket.

This concern might climb to the next level as the Tigers are all set to miss the service of Shakib Al Hasan in the first Test. Along with him, there is a cloud over Mushfiqur Rahim’s participation in the series opener as well. While the regular Test captain is recovering from a finger injury, Mushfiqur is suffering from several issues with rib and finger.

“How are doing in the overseas condition in Tests is always a challenge for us. Everyone doubts whether we can win an overseas Test or not. However, we are not thinking about that, I can assure you as the captain of the team,” Mahmudullah Riyad, the captain of Bangladesh, has said ahead of the first Test of three-match series which will take the place in Hamilton.

There was a bit of hope of Mushfiqur’s participation in the first Test; however, Mahmudullah said he is yet to get a green signal from the physio.

“He is getting better. But perhaps we are not lucky enough to get his service in the first match. Along with Mushfiqur, Shakib Al Hasan has also been an integral part of our team. It is really tough to set our best combination without them. I hope who are ready to replace them will perform well and take advantage of the chances,” the interim Bangladesh captain further said.

In recent past India and Sri Lanka have displayed imperious performance in overseas Tests as they beat Australia and South Africa respectively. Bangladesh can gather inspiration from their history-making effort.

However, Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah said they are not bothered with the performance of the other teams.

“We have many things to take as motivation from the recent past. But we want to play relying on our own strength. We know how the condition can behave, and we also have ideas about their bowlers. Now the thing is on us. We have to perform in the field, and we need to execute ourselves in a better way,” said Mahmudullah.

The Kiwi pace-attack comprising Trent Boult and Tim Southee can be the biggest challenge for the Bangladeshi batsmen. However, Mahmudullah said he has faith in their fast-bowlers as well.

He said, “Abu JayedRahi is our premium fast bowler. He has played some matches and performed well too. We have Ebadat Hossain, a new talent, who can bowl at a great pace. And we also have Mustafizur. Everyone has ideas about his capabilities, about what he can do in his day.”

Bangladesh have played 13 Tests against New Zealand and lost 10 of them with managing three draws in the home. But they lost all seven matches in the home of New Zealand.

Ahead of this series against New Zealand in their home, Bangladesh are in the challenge of winning more overseas Tests.UNB