5 reasons why Bangladesh struggle in overseas conditions
Ever since Bangladesh played their first Test match against India at Dhaka in 2000, they have come a long way. During the first decade or so, they struggled to be competitive in Test matches, both at home and overseas, and won their first Test match after having played the format for five years.
However, over the past few years, Bangladesh have become a competitive side at home and been able to win landmark Test matches against some of the strongest sides in the world. Most notably, they drew Test series against England and Australia at home in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
That said, their record away from home continues to be abysmal (four wins and a staggering 41 losses in 48 away Tests) and the latest capitulation in South Africa further reinforces the point. So, let's take a look at some of the reasons why they struggle to compete away from home.
#5 Absence of quality top order batsmen
If a team is to do well away from home then the need for quality top order batsmen is paramount. A sound top three is absolutely essential when a team travels outside the subcontinent and the ability to play swing and pace effectively is the key to a successful away tour, most of the time.
On the other hand, good top order batsmen are also responsible for saving Test matches when the priority is to bat out time. In this regard, Bangladesh have not been blessed. Tamim Iqbal, who has been their best player over the years, averages 38.69 away from home over the last decade and most of the other top-order batsmen have averages in the low to mid-20s. Due to this major handicap, Bangladesh struggle to put up a fight against high-quality bowling on away tours.