Bangladesh start a two-Take a look at collection in Pakistan this week with their preparations severely hampered by the political turmoil that has wracked the nation. Unrest that led to the overthrow of prime minister Sheikh Hasina saved the crew’s overseas coaches indoors, strictly following advisories from their embassies, whereas mass protests stopped the crew from assembling for follow classes. The make-up of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) can also be up within the air, after president Nazmul Hassan fled the nation resulting from his affiliation with Hasina.
Cricket and politics go hand-in-hand in Bangladesh, however ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan — a member of the now-dissolved parliament for Hasina’s social gathering — is being allowed to function within the Pakistan collection by the interim authorities.
“Due to the state of affairs it was not doable to follow,” spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed advised reporters.
The vacationers acquired some reprieve after the Pakistan Cricket Board invited them to reach 4 days early to make up for his or her lack of preparations.
A second-string Bangladesh crew — with six gamers included from the nationwide crew — had already been enjoying follow video games in Islamabad since August 10.
So as to add to Bangladesh’s issues, in-form opener Mahmudul Hasan Pleasure has been dominated out of the primary Take a look at with a groin pressure, however senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim is anticipated to get well in time from a finger harm.
No-win report
Bangladesh will likely be hoping hope to overturn their no-win report in opposition to Pakistan, having misplaced 12 of the 13 Assessments, with only one draw.
The 2-match Take a look at collection is a part of the World Take a look at Championship’s third cycle with Pakistan sixth within the present nine-team desk and Bangladesh eighth.
The second Take a look at — each matches moved to Rawalpindi due to development work at Karachi stadium — will likely be performed from August 30.
Following a 3-0 rout in Australia earlier this yr, Pakistan introduced in former Aussie paceman Jason Gillespie as Take a look at coach, whereas Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough was employed to enhance the usual of pitches.
Having launched their solely spinner, Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan will enter the Take a look at with an all-pace assault — a ploy they final used 5 years in the past in opposition to Sri Lanka on the identical venue.
Bangladesh, nonetheless, will depend on spin with Shakib (237 wickets), Taijul Islam (195), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (164) all included.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood refused to simply accept the Bangladesh crew is under-prepared.
“You count on all worldwide Take a look at sides to return right into a collection nicely ready and attempting to play their finest cricket,” he advised AFP.
“Bangladesh is a facet that has high quality gamers in all departments and we extremely respect the challenges they carry as a facet to us.”
Masood additionally hopes Pakistan will present enchancment beneath the brand new coach.
“We’re excited to see how they (coaches) assist us to be higher individuals, higher cricketers and — most significantly — be among the many prime groups on the earth.”
Groups (from):
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed
Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Adrian Holdstock (RSA)
Television umpire: Michael Gough (ENG)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)
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