Bangladesh vs England: 5 Bangladeshi players to watch out for
A thrilling Test series between two vastly different teams is in the offing after a superb One Day series between England and Bangladesh. England have been a formidable Test side lately, while Bangladesh on the other hand, have been mediocre in Tests but on their home turf are a dangerous pack to compete with.
Amidst security concerns, the tour finally happened and a spectacular One Day series unfolded, with some exciting prospects from both sides.
The Bangla Tigers would have been disappointed to surrender their coveted home record in ODIs – a streak of 6 successive series wins at home. The fight back would definitely come in the Tests where England will face some quality tweakers in unfamiliar conditions. Recent record suggests that England will have a cakewalk, given their current form in Tests. But in these conditions, Bangladesh can snatch the initiative easily with their efficient spinners.
With the Test series set to start on October 20, let us go through five Bangladesh players who will be in the spotlight:
#1 Shafiul Islam
With Mohammad Shahid and Mustafizur Rahman sidelined by injury, Shafiul will lead the pace attack, alongside the young Kamrul Islam Rabbi. As the only two seamers in the squad, the onus will be on Shafiul to deliver.
Although the pitch is likely to be a square turner, Shafiul will be tasked with trying to plug a wicket or two in the opening spell and then later hold up an end for the spinners to exploit. The rough created by Shafiul will be crucial for the off-spinners against the left-handers in the England line-up.
Shafiul has played in just 8 Tests and has 15 wickets to his name with best figures of 4/67. This series, where he is expected to start as the frontline seamer, will be a crucial one for his career.