Bangladesh must look to overcome its recent dismal form, through three series overseas, and particularly with the bat to make its 100th Test an occasion to celebrate against Sri Lanka starting at P Sara Oval, Colombo on Wednesday.
The 2nd match of the two-match Joy Bangla Cup series which is the 18th Test battle between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka schedule to start at 10:30 am (Bangladesh standard time).
Bangladesh is in the disadvantage state in the series 0-1 after conceding 259-run loss in the first match at Galle, was the 76th defeat and the fourth in a row in 99 Tests where Bangladesh so far played 15 draws.
Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha said, “We are doing the right thing, that’s why we have been competitive in all these games.” He would like to leave Bangladesh in the position Sri Lanka had been in 1996, said the coach.
With an eye on an improved show in Colombo, Bangladesh have taken a tough call by dropping Mahmudullah Riyad, who scored 8 and 0 in the two innings at Galle, but one of the seniors in the side playing 33 Tests since his debut against West Indies in 2007.
To replace Mahmudullah, Bangladesh could be bring Sabbir Rahman or uncapped 21-year-old Mosaddek Hossain in the XI to set the batting order.
Imrul Kayes, who missed the last three Tests — against New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka — because of a hamstring injury, is set to replace Mominul Haque, as Bangladesh team is very keen to end its losing streak in a landmark Test.
There could also be a bowling change in the last moment. Subashis Roy claimed only 1/137 in Galle Test, is likely to be replaced by Taijul Islam.
In the Sri Lankan combination of winning XI against Bangladesh, there has a little chance to bring changes. Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne is under pressure from young all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva. It is also possible Sandakan is left out in favour of an extra batsman.
Bangladesh played its inaugural Test as ICC full member against India in November 2000 under the leadership of all-rounder Naimur Rahman Durjoy at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, going to reach a milestone of playing 100th Test, lead by Mushfiqur Rahim, taking over around 16 years.
The record shows that Bangladesh team is still finding their feet in Test cricket indeed, having five of Bangladesh’s eight wins came at home ground, including four against Zimbabwe, and it won in just three of its 46 games in abroad — two against West Indies and one against Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh XI (probable) Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Liton Kumar Das (wicket-keeper), Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.
Sri Lanka XI (probable): Dimuth Karuanaratne, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella (wicket-keeper), Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath (captain), Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara and Lakshan Sandakan.
