The dilemma over pinning hopes on spin
Historically, Bangladesh have had a difficult time in taking advantage of the home conditions where they base their strategies upon. In home Tests against the West Indies and Pakistan last year, the surfaces provided a good deal of assistance for the spinners but while West Indies' Rahkeem Cornwall took advantage and Pakistan's Sajid Khan tormented Bangladesh in those surfaces, Bangladesh lacked the application to counter the opposition spinners effectively.
The recent tour of South Africa further showcased Bangladesh's tentativeness in appropriating an approach that is effective against spinners. However, with Taijul Islam and Mehedi Miraz now growing into the mould of both attacking and defending with spin, the return of ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has meant that Bangladesh could bank again on playing three spinners.
Taskin Ahmed is all but certainly ruled out of the upcoming Test series, having suffered back injury during the South Africa tour, while Shoriful Islam, who recovered from the ankle injury that saw him miss the Test series in South Africa, will be unavailable for the first Test on May 15.
"Shoriful has recovered from the ankle injury. However, he will need a small surgery on a non-sports related issue. We will try to have that surgery done by the end of this month," the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Debashish Chowdhury told The Daily Star earlier.
With the two key pacers out, Bangladesh were also initially sweating out on other key pacer Ebadot Hossain after he incurred an injury to the webbing of his right hand. However, Debashish later informed that the injury was superficial. A week's rest will see Ebadot return to the field and be available for the series against Sri Lanka.
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin informed The Daily Star yesterday that they have already formed the side and is waiting for BCB president Nazmul Hassan's approval. The team will likely be announced in a day or two.
"We have tried to form a balanced side and have already given our directives regarding the team. Taskin will not be available for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka but he will return for the series against West Indies. Shoriful will be undergoing a surgery but he is expected to join the team for the second Test," the chief selector said yesterday.
In April-May, the wickets in Bangladesh provide the least help for the pacers. However, the Tigers will be keen to continue their trend of giving pacers belief and it was learned that along with Shohidul Islam, pacer Rejaur Rahman may likely be added to the squad. With Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot available, it provides the balance the selectors may be looking at.
Time will tell what strategy may be the best but given that the home conditions favour spin, it would not be very out of place for the Tigers to bank on spin. However, Sri Lanka's ability to counter Bangladesh's spin threat has already been showcased during Bangladesh's last tour of the island nation. Without a sporting track, any idea could easily backfire if the side is either pace heavy or spin heavy. While talking to reporters yesterday during an event, Shakib perhaps hinted the same thing regarding the conditions.
"I think there is a good deal of chance of us doing well. Although the conditions of the two countries are pretty similar, I'm hopeful we can win the series," Shakib said.
Bangladesh would be wary of Sri Lankan spin getting in their way. Thus, balance in the end will be the key.
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