Spirited Bangladesh ready to take on new-look India

One-off Test match begins today

Bangladesh are out to prove their mettle in the longer version cricket as they face off India in the much anticipated one-off Test at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah today.
The Bangladesh’s cricket has been on the rise after their lion-hearted performance in the World Cup. The hosts handed Pakistan a 3-0 drub and drew a Test following the World Cup that raised the profile of the team and earned a more respect from the oppositions than what they have been used to getting earlier.
“India are definitely a strong side. Playing good cricket against a team like India will provide the evidence about our ability in this format,” said Bangladesh’s Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim.
“So we are looking forward a good result in the Test.”
Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha was more blatant in expressing his desire.
“We always play to win, so we cannot say we want to draw the Test match. The plan doesn’t change against any team. Our plan is to win the game.”
Litton Das is likely to make his debut while Bangladesh may use the leg-spin of Jubair Hossain Likhon at the expense of pacer Rubel Hossain given the wicket would be unforgiving for the fast bowlers.
The match which is this stadium’s first Test since 2006, starts at 10 pm.
Bangladesh have never beaten India in seven Tests. They lost six times including an innings defeat in three matches and a draw was earned by the blessings of rain.
Only three Indian players- opener Murali Vijay, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and fast bowler Ishant Sharma earlier played a Test in Bangladesh while five Bangladeshi players- Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Rubel Hossain and Imrul Kayes played the Test against India.

This will be Virat Kohli’s first series as India’s Test captain after the sudden retirement of MS Dhoni in the half-way mark of the series against Australia.
The 26-year old is keen to make a statement.
“I have some vision in my mind which I have discussed with the team,” he said. “We are all on the same page. It is pretty exciting for me to start as full-time Test captain and hopefully it will be a positive start.”
“Actually from Sydney I became full time Test captain. It is a special moment for me tomorrow when I go out to toss. Something that I will probably cherish when I finish my career.”
He however was reluctant to take Bangladesh as guaranteed.
 “We cannot take any team lightly in our side. Now how will they react that is their concern. We have to think what we do.”
“ You have to bowl well to every batsman no matter he is de Villiers or Shakib Al Hasan. You have to do your work.”

Spirited Bangladesh ready to take on new-look India

One-off Test match begins today

Bangladesh are out to prove their mettle in the longer version cricket as they face off India in the much anticipated one-off Test at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah today. The Bangladeshs cricket has been on the rise after their lion-hearted performance in the World Cup. The hosts handed Pakistan a 3-0 drub and drew a Test following the World Cup that raised the profile of the team and earned a more respect from the oppositions than what they have been used to getting earlier. India are definitely a strong side. Playing good cricket against a team like India will provide the evidence about our ability in this format, said Bangladeshs Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim. So we are looking forward a good result in the Test. Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha was more blatant in expressing his desire. We always play to win, so we cannot say we want to draw the Test match. The plan doesnt change against any team. Our plan is to win the game. Litton Das is likely to make his debut while Bangladesh may use the leg-spin of Jubair Hossain Likhon at the expense of pacer Rubel Hossain given the wicket would be unforgiving for the fast bowlers. The match which is this stadiums first Test since 2006, starts at 10 pm. Bangladesh have never beaten India in seven Tests. They lost six times including an innings defeat in three matches and a draw was earned by the blessings of rain. Only three Indian players- opener Murali Vijay, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and fast bowler Ishant Sharma earlier played a Test in Bangladesh while five Bangladeshi players- Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Rubel Hossain and Imrul Kayes played the Test against India. This will be Virat Kohlis first series as Indias Test captain after the sudden retirement of MS Dhoni in the half-way mark of the series against Australia. The 26-year old is keen to make a statement. I have some vision in my mind which I have discussed with the team, he said. We are all on the same page. It is pretty exciting for me to start as full-time Test captain and hopefully it will be a positive start. Actually from Sydney I became full time Test captain. It is a special moment for me tomorrow when I go out to toss. Something that I will probably cherish when I finish my career. He however was reluctant to take Bangladesh as guaranteed. We cannot take any team lightly in our side. Now how will they react that is their concern. We have to think what we do. You have to bowl well to every batsman no matter he is de Villiers or Shakib Al Hasan. You have to do your work.