Bangladesh start a two-Take a look at sequence in Pakistan this week with their preparations severely hampered by the political turmoil that has wracked the nation. Unrest that led to the overthrow of prime minister Sheikh Hasina stored the staff’s overseas coaches indoors, strictly following advisories from their embassies, whereas mass protests stopped the staff from assembling for follow periods. The make-up of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) can also be up within the air, after president Nazmul Hassan fled the nation as a result of his affiliation with Hasina.
Cricket and politics go hand-in-hand in Bangladesh, however ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan — a member of the now-dissolved parliament for Hasina’s get together — is being allowed to characteristic within the Pakistan sequence by the interim authorities.
“Due to the state of affairs it was not doable to follow,” spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed informed reporters.
The vacationers received some reprieve after the Pakistan Cricket Board invited them to reach 4 days early to make up for his or her lack of preparations.
A second-string Bangladesh staff — with six gamers included from the nationwide staff — had already been enjoying follow video games in Islamabad since August 10.
So as to add to Bangladesh’s issues, in-form opener Mahmudul Hasan Pleasure has been dominated out of the primary Take a look at with a groin pressure, however senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim is predicted to get better in time from a finger harm.
No-win report
Bangladesh shall be hoping hope to overturn their no-win report in opposition to Pakistan, having misplaced 12 of the 13 Exams, with only one draw.
The 2-match Take a look at sequence is a part of the World Take a look at Championship’s third cycle with Pakistan sixth within the present nine-team desk and Bangladesh eighth.
The second Take a look at — each matches moved to Rawalpindi due to building work at Karachi stadium — shall be performed from August 30.
Following a 3-0 rout in Australia earlier this 12 months, Pakistan introduced in former Aussie paceman Jason Gillespie as Take a look at coach, whereas Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough was employed to enhance the usual of pitches.
Having launched their solely spinner, Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan will enter the Take a look at with an all-pace assault — a ploy they final used 5 years in the past in opposition to Sri Lanka on the similar venue.
Bangladesh, nonetheless, will depend on spin with Shakib (237 wickets), Taijul Islam (195), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (164) all included.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood refused to just accept the Bangladesh staff is under-prepared.
“You anticipate all worldwide Take a look at sides to return right into a sequence nicely ready and attempting to play their finest cricket,” he informed AFP.
“Bangladesh is a aspect that has high quality gamers in all departments and we extremely respect the challenges they carry as a aspect to us.”
Masood additionally hopes Pakistan will present enchancment beneath the brand new coach.
“We’re excited to see how they (coaches) assist us to be higher individuals, higher cricketers and — most significantly — be among the many prime groups on the earth.”
Groups (from):
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed
Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Adrian Holdstock (RSA)
Television umpire: Michael Gough (ENG)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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