Problem of plenty in pace
The upcoming two-Test series against Australia is expected to be played on spin-friendly tracks, which has produced a sweet dilemma for the Bangladesh team management about who to choose in the playing eleven from a strong group of pacers.
The pacers also have a role to play and it is expected that the team management will go with two seamers in the line-up.
Left-arm fast bowling sensation Mustafiuzur Rahman is the sure shot for the first Test starting in Mirpur from August 27, but there is some stiff competition for the other spot. The likes of Subhashis Roy, Shafiul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain and Kamrul Islam Rabbi are in contention.
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin informed that they are yet to settle on a combination, but was enjoying the wealth of choice in the pace department.
"I think it's a very good thing for us as all the pacers are almost at the same level at the moment which will ultimately help to form a better team," Minhajul told The Daily Star over phone yesterday.
Subhashis was part of the Tigers' previous Test, the historic 100th in Colombo in March this year when he gave a good account of himself in a famous win. The tall pacer has the ability to hit the deck hard and managed to get bounce on a slow surface, which impressed head coach Chandika Hathurusingha.
Speedster Taskin Ahmed has always been the X-factor in the Bangladesh fast bowling department with his ability to bowl fast, and can also make an impact against a top side like Australia.
The right-arm seamer who played the first Test against Sri Lanka earlier this year, however, was dropped from the next game but he can surely make an impact on his day.
Rubel, meanwhile, is at a bit of a disadvantage as he played his last Test against New Zealand in January this year, but with the slinging bowling action he can offer variety in the Tigers line-up and has also been in fine rhythm lately.
Kamrul made his Test debut against England last year and is also in consideration for his ability to bowl with the old ball and was the pick of the pacers in the two-Test series in New Zealand, bagging six wickets.
Making the competition even hotter, Shafiul has recently given a reminder of his abilities with a searing five-wicket haul in the recently-concluded three-day practice match in Chittagong.
"Whatever the pitch is going to be the pacers will have to take responsibility. If the wicket offers help to the spinners our role will be to help them and if we can give some early breakthroughs that will make the job easy for the spinners. Whatever the pitch is like there is an important role for the seamers and we have a very strong fast bowling line-up," Shafiul told the reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium after practice yesterday.