A Test of review!

Wicket’s behaviour played a vital role in making the umpiring task tough. But why the mass people would convince? At the age when people spend most of the time in social media outlet, nothing went unnoticed. And people are these days used to make a fun with those in social media. So when they got the opportunity they even didn’t spare the poor umpires and started terming first Test between England and Bangladesh a ‘Test of review’. At least 24 reviews were taken in four days to justify what people say. Between the two umpires, Kumar Dharmasena’s situation was terrible and at some stages it seemed, if the players found some kind of opportunity they would go for reviewing it if Dharmasena stands there. On first day itself, his six decisions were overturned, including five against Moeen Ali.

Sabbir’s fighting spirit

Sabbir showed his penchant to fight in the first innings when he took England bowlers in disdain despite getting a nasty blow on his helmet from a Ben Stokes bouncer. Stokes who had so far cold relation with Bangladesh following shoulder-barging incident with Tamim Iqbal during the ODI match and his reluctance to shake hands with Abdul Majid during a warm-up game, later kept the news of Sabbir about his condition through Bangladesh media manager. He also was seen to help Sabbir on the ground when he was struck by the bouncer. Sabbir however couldn’t make it long but he amended by playing one of the matured knocks played ever anyone has seen lately by a debutants in the second innings. During the process, he got another blow on his helmet in the second innings also but refused to give up. And still playing as the nation’s hopes now rest on him.

Friend appears as nemesis

Moeen Ali became Shakib Al Hasan’s first friend in England when the all-rounder began his English county stint for Worcestershire. Since then they have good rapport. Even Shakib inspired him to play for Abahani Limited in Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. Both are them are  all-rounder which is another similarity between them. And they were used to play as friend but this time they became nemesis each other for the sake of the team. It was the contest where Moeen eventually defeat Shakib by 2-1. While Shakib got him Moeen once in two innings, Moeen dismissed Shakib in both innings.

Broad’s sledging

There every sort of drama stored on the fourth day—from a seesaw battle to sledge, review, frustration, anxiety. Test match was at its best. At one stage when Sabbir Rahman and Mushfiqur Rahim almost threw England out of the match, Broad thought he hit the pad of Mushfiqur Rahim and appealed for a leg-before but to his dismay umpire gave the signal of run as Mushfiqur and Sabbir ran between them to change the strike. Broad wanted review but by then umpire Dharmasena told him that time to ask for review was over. Frustrated Broad was seen to tell some-thing to umpire, not in joyous mood. He then vented his anger by sledging Mushfiqur and Sabbir. Later he said it didn’t go far and played with right spirit. Since everybody passionately played for their country, little banter is not bad, he said.

Rues for Reviews

In the match of reviews, Bangladesh found them in wanting for reviews at the moment when it mattered most. With seven down, Bangladesh need someone to assist Sabbir Rahman in ending the day without losing any wicket. But a fuller delivery from Stuart Board ended Rabbi’s short stay as he tried to flick it but found short leg. Initially it seemed the ball touched his pad rather than bat. The video replay wasn’t conclusive enough. May be the DRS could find a way! Earlier Mahmudullah Riyad and Mehedi Hasan Miraj reviewed vain to leave Bangladesh rue for reviewing.