Tigers seek turnaround in decider
Changes in attitude are imperative for Bangladesh as they try to salvage a drawn series with a win in the last of two Tests against the West Indies, starting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.
Despite dominating proceedings for the first four days, Bangladesh suffered a shocking three-wicket defeat -- courtesy of Kyle Mayers's brilliant double ton on debut -- in the first Test against the Windies at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram last Sunday.
On a wicket that saw the hosts struggling at 223 for eight before they declared their second innings on the fourth day in Chattogram, Tigers' spinners -- supposed to be their strong suit against teams like West Indies -- appeared toothless on the last day as the spirited visitors aced the chase of a mammoth 395.
The picture becomes bleaker in the Mirpur Test as Bangladesh will be without premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and left-handed opener Shadman Islam as both are sitting out due to injuries.
Shakib's thigh injury, sustained during the second day of the first Test, ruled him out of this Test while Shadman's hip injury, which occurred due to an awkward fall while fielding in Chattogram, saw him joining Shakib on the sidelines. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had announced Soumya Sarkar as Shakib's replacement for the game but has not included anyone in the squad in place of Shadman.
Mominul Haque's troops were subject to heavy criticism for their lack of energy and assertiveness on the final day of the Chattogram Test as they allowed the visitors to achieve a record 395-run target.
And it will be interesting to see if Mominul and Co -- now without the talismanic Shakib and regular Test opener Shadman -- can turn things around with a much-needed change in approach in Mirpur today.
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