Test debacle
Solaiman Palash, East Jurain, Dhaka
The dismal performance of Bangladesh cricket team in Sri Lanka is really heartbreaking. The feel-good factor during the Cricket World Cup now seems light years away. The pathetic performance in the Tests only added additional weapons to the arsenal of the critics who are skeptical about Bangladesh's future in Test cricket.Four consecutive innings defeats not only destroyed the morale of cricketers but also hurt the millions of fans. The capitulation in Sri Lanka revealed the truth that we are not worthy of Test cricket. Test cricket puzzled us so much that we lost 29 matches by an innings margin out of 49. We could never stay 90 overs at the crease in the last 13 Test innings since the first innings of Fatullah Test in 2006 against Australia. Only one century in those 13 innings! No five-wicket haul for any bowler after Fatullah also indicates the decline in bowling standard. Nobody succeeds in any area without proper preparation. After a long World Cup our cricketers didn't prepare themselves for Test cricket against very tough opposition. We totally ignored the importance of first class cricket. The national first class competition is a farce. It's my opinion that it's the easiest among the Test- playing nations to earn a first class cap here in Bangladesh. The cricket board should take the necessary steps to ensure competitiveness in first class cricket. Otherwise, the situation is not going to improve. As a follower of Bangladesh cricket, I feel distressed. It is the dream of millions that Bangladesh will play good cricket.
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