Tim Wigmore investigates the wide disparity between the home and away performances of the emerging cricketing nation
A few months ago, Shakib Al Hasan, the greatest cricketer in Bangladesh’s history,declared: “We are very much unbeatable at home,” before the visit of Australia.
Shakib was wrong. After besting Australia in the first Test, Bangladesh floundered in the second; the series was drawn 1-1.
And yet his broader point remains correct: in the right conditions Bangladesh are now a formidable international cricket side. Since the 2015 World Cup, they have been on a run of six straight ODI series victories at home; beaten England in a Test (while losing narrowly in the other); shared a Test series 1-1 away to Sri Lanka; and then beaten Australia at home.
They were also very competitive during a solitary Test in India in February and authored a spectacular victory against New Zealand in Cardiff to, somewhat fortuitously, reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals.
When the words “tour to Bangladesh” are uttered, they are no longer synonymous with ‘easy tour’. Indeed, in home conditions, Bangladesh would rightly consider themselves at least equal favourites against all opponents bar India. Bangladesh’s rise has been one of the great stories in international cricket over the past two years.
This story is from the October 27,2017 edition of The Cricket Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 27,2017 edition of The Cricket Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
