Tigers searching for a brilliancy

Despite the series-deciding second Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe set to begin the next day, it was the news of two of the Tigers' skippers -- Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza -- seeking nomination tickets from the Awami League for the upcoming general elections that hogged the limelight at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

There was immense curiosity among journalists regarding the issue but it will be Test cricket that will take centre stage from the Tigers' point of view when they take on the visitors in a bid to save the series after a humiliating 151-run defeat in the first Test.

Whether it is their knowledge of how to best utilise the unpredictable Mirpur wicket or even the team composition, the home team will surely come up with a better game plan this time around.

Batting remains the biggest area of concern for the Tigers after Zimbabwe stretched the Tigers' failure to score more than 200 runs to eight consecutive Tests innings.

"We have discussed our lacking and strengths and pointed out a few areas to work on after the defeat in Sylhet. Our main area of concern is the batting department. This is one particular area in which we were unable to perform as we did in other formats," captain Mahmudullah Riyad told reporters yesterday.

"But at the same time if we over think things it will put extra pressure on us so we are willing to play our normal game. And if we are able to do things right we will have a chance of doing well."

It was learned that the team management are likely to make three changes to the team that capitulated in the first Test.

Bangladesh are likely to bin their one-seamer strategy and, according to sources, the think-tank is keen to have two pacers in the playing eleven today.

The good news is that Mustafizur Rahman is all set to return to the side after being rested for the first Test which would see Abu Jayed, who bowled well in the first Test, make way.

Another pacer in the form of Khaled Ahmed, who has impressed head coach Steve Rhodes, is likely to make his Test debut alongside fellow Test debutant Mohammad Mithun, who has been in good form in the shorter formats.

Left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam and young left-hander Nazmul Hossain, who disappointed in the first Test, are likely to be dropped.

Taijul Islam, who scalped 11 wickets in the first Test, will once again lead the spin-bowling attack. He will be backed by Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who needs to rethink his strategy after being below-par in the first Test.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe will be booming with confidence after registering their first Test win in five years and first away Test win after 17 long years. Hamilton Masakadza and his troops will be eying their third-ever Test series win away from home.

The Mirpur pitch has always been unpredictable, even for the home side, so once again, whoever executes in the conditions early on will likely gain the momentum.