Bangladesh attack was no better than a Ranji trophy attack: Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian Batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has laid into Bangladesh on their floundering performance in the only Test against India at Fatullah in his column for StarSports.com.

Commenting on the bowling performance of Bangladesh bowlers, he wrote,“Fans are basically watching average first-class skills in the garb of international cricket. In the lone Test that was played in Fatullah, the Bangladesh attack was no better than an Indian Ranji trophy attack.”

“Shikhar Dhawan & Murali Vijay both got hundreds and Rahane missed one by two runs, but the reality is that any decent Ranji batsman from India would have got a Test hundred against that attack”, he said highlighting the low standards of Bangladesh Cricket. 

Monsoon season only slot Bangladesh will get: Manjrekar

Manjrekar, who was part of the commentary team for the Test match, also underlined the reason for arranging the Test in the monsoon season time slot, the reason why there was no result in the match despite teams playing attacking cricket.

“This begs the obvious question, why risk playing cricket, an outdoor sport, in the rainy season? Well, that's because Bangladesh do not have a choice, if they want to play against major teams, it is the only time slot they will get. 

“This can't be right, surely. And hopefully, this complex issue of scheduling matches where every country gets a fair schedule is resolved soon.”

Manjrekar also pointed out that international players produced in countries like West Indies and Bangladesh are not yet good enough for Test cricket, and that a two-tier Test cricket system can be considered.