Top order’s form imperative to win series against West Indies

Shakib, the ‘X factor’ in giving Bangladesh the right balance

Bangladesh might be bolstered with the inclusion of their regular captain and ‘X factor’ Shakib Al Hasan but the indifferent form of the top order batsmen would still haunt them as they take on West Indies in the first of two-match Test series, staring from Thursday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

Shakib’s inclusion might give the side a cushion of an extra batsman and bowler, which they lacked against Zimbabwe but still the fact is—without a significant contribution from the top order, it would be tough for them to win the series against West Indies.

Bangladesh batsmen showed their vulnerability against the Zimbabwe fast bowlers, who were not that much experienced while West Indian pacers are much skillful and experienced and they could make the difference unless the pitch is a rage turner, like what the hosts offered Australia and England. So it is highly likely that pitch would be slow-ish and turning to help Shakib Al Hasan and company and prevent West Indian pacers who possess raw pace and genuine height from making the carnage but it is all about batsman to complement the bowlers’ job.

West Indies pacers—specially Shanon Gabriel and Jason Holder were Bangladesh’s nemesis in the country’s last tour to Caribbean Island in June as their performance drove West Indies to 2-0 win in Test series though Bangladesh later came back strongly to win the ODI and T20 series.

Holder, the regular captain even was in magnificent form in dead pitch of India but later was ruled out of Bangladesh tour due to injury and it obviously would give Bangladesh some relief. But still there are the likes of Gabriel, Kemar Roach who even could extract life from the dead surface.

When Bangladesh toured West Indies, the hosts offered them a bouncy, greenish track

to assist their pacers, so in return there is no doubt that Bangladesh would play to their strength in the series—offering them a turning wicket. There is no talk of revenge but one thing is sure Bangladesh would try to return what they tasted in their tour in Caribbean Island five months ago.

Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes

didn’t point out any revenge issue or even he was reluctant to talk about the nature of wicket, but he made it clear, he wants runs from his top order batsmen.

“West Indies have couple of quicks, especially Shannon Gabriel, who has got electric pace. If he is on fire, he is a dangerous proposition. I was at the other ground watching the bit of the BCB XI game against West Indies. Shai Hope is in good nick. He’s a batsman that we need to get rid of. If Hetmyer can transform some of

his one-day form that he has shown in India, he could be a dangerous character for us,” Rhodes said.

“We are not worried too much about the opposition, but we should be concerned about getting our own game right. Then it will go a long way in being competitive and winning games of cricket.”

Top orders form imperative to win series against West Indies

Shakib, the X factor in giving Bangladesh the right balance

Bangladesh might be bolstered with the inclusion of their regular captain and X factor Shakib Al Hasan but the indifferent form of the top order batsmen would still haunt them as they take on West Indies in the first of two-match Test series, staring from Thursday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. Shakibs inclusion might give the side a cushion of an extra batsman and bowler, which they lacked against Zimbabwe but still the fact iswithout a significant contribution from the top order, it would be tough for them to win the series against West Indies. Bangladesh batsmen showed their vulnerability against the Zimbabwe fast bowlers, who were not that much experienced while West Indian pacers are much skillful and experienced and they could make the difference unless the pitch is a rage turner, like what the hosts offered Australia and England. So it is highly likely that pitch would be slow-ish and turning to help Shakib Al Hasan and company and prevent West Indian pacers who possess raw pace and genuine height from making the carnage but it is all about batsman to complement the bowlers job. West Indies pacersspecially Shanon Gabriel and Jason Holder were Bangladeshs nemesis in the countrys last tour to Caribbean Island in June as their performance drove West Indies to 2-0 win in Test series though Bangladesh later came back strongly to win the ODI and T20 series. Holder, the regular captain even was in magnificent form in dead pitch of India but later was ruled out of Bangladesh tour due to injury and it obviously would give Bangladesh some relief. But still there are the likes of Gabriel, Kemar Roach who even could extract life from the dead surface. When Bangladesh toured West Indies, the hosts offered them a bouncy, greenish track to assist their pacers, so in return there is no doubt that Bangladesh would play to their strength in the seriesoffering them a turning wicket. There is no talk of revenge but one thing is sure Bangladesh would try to return what they tasted in their tour in Caribbean Island five months ago. Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes didnt point out any revenge issue or even he was reluctant to talk about the nature of wicket, but he made it clear, he wants runs from his top order batsmen. West Indies have couple of quicks, especially Shannon Gabriel, who has got electric pace. If he is on fire, he is a dangerous proposition. I was at the other ground watching the bit of the BCB XI game against West Indies. Shai Hope is in good nick. Hes a batsman that we need to get rid of. If Hetmyer can transform some of his one-day form that he has shown in India, he could be a dangerous character for us, Rhodes said. We are not worried too much about the opposition, but we should be concerned about getting our own game right. Then it will go a long way in being competitive and winning games of cricket.