Uneven pace threat for Tigers
Even before the start of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan there was much talk about the probable threat from leg-spinner Rashid Khan. The top-ranked bowler in T20I cricket made his presence felt against the Tigers in all three games and was instrumental in the eventual whitewash suffered by Bangladesh earlier this month.
The challenge will only intensify in their upcoming tour of West Indies. Starting with the first match of the two-match Test series from July 4 in Antigua, the Tigers' well-known weakness against genuine fast bowling in testing will be something to watch for.
Taking Rashid's place as bogeyman will be pacer Shanon Gabriel, whose fiery bowling netted him 13 wickets in the second Test against Sri Lanka at St Lucia which ended on Monday. His sheer pace and well-directed bouncers proved too good for the Sri Lankan batsman. Gabriel broke into the record book to become only the second West Indian to bag 13 wickets in a Test match after Michael Holding in 1976 against England, announcing himself as the biggest threat for the Tigers in the upcoming series.
The 30-year-old, who picked up five for 59 in the first innings, returned with even more venom and took eight for 62 in the second innings to virtually single-handedly wrap Sri Lanka up for 342. Interestingly, it was only the third time in 23 years that a West Indian bowler bagged five wickets in both innings of a Test match.
From Bangladesh's point of view apart from Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, almost all the batsmen have struggled to face quality pace bowling in testing conditions and the upcoming tour will be an uphill battle to handle the quality pace bowling in the form of the fiery Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Miguel Cummins.
Opener Tamim was seen doing extra work during the Eid holidays to prepare himself for the upcoming challenge, playing short-of-length deliveries from the bowling machine and also practised leaving the ball when required. These are some of the skills the Tigers will have to call upon when they take on West Indies' in-form pace battery.
Talking of in-form pace attacks, to say that Bangladesh's own stocks pale in comparison will be an understatement. Since Mustafizur Rahman will not be available for the Tests due to his toe injury, experienced pacer Rubel Hossain will have to take charge of the Tigers' fast bowling attack alongside rookies Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Shafiul Islam and the uncapped Abu Jayed.
Kamrul and Shafiul will be making a comeback to the side and it will be a huge challenge for these two bowlers to utilise Caribbean conditions, but it will be Rubel -- who has not been able to rise to increased expectations despite all his experience – who will have to prove his worth.