BAN vs SL 2022 | Bangladesh eye home domination in Tests

Bangladesh are known to be invincibles when it comes to playing cricket in their own backyard. Over the past few years, the side has had an impressive run, defeating higher-ranked teams across formats. 

Criticized for dishing batting paradises and slow-low tracks, the Bangla Tigers have always played to their advantage. India produces rank turners while playing at home, so why not!

Their pinnacle in Tests came when they defeated New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, which helped them level the series. A feat that heavyweight teams like England, India, and Pakistan have not accomplished lately. 

Despite their highs, they incurred a thrashing in the two-Test series in South Africa while winning the ODI series. Bangladesh will soon host Sri Lanka for a two-Test series, with the 1st match starting on May 15th at Chattogram.

Numbers game

Bangladesh will find it difficult as they are yet to win a Test against the visitors on home soil, losing six and drawing 2 out of their eight matches; both sides have not met since the 2018 Mirpur Test. The overall tally for Bangladesh stands at one win, 17 losses, and four draws.

Skipper Mominul Haq's record-leading Bangladesh is nothing to boast about, having won 3, lost 11, and drawn one game. Playing at home, he has won just one while losing four Tests since taking over in 2019.

Pre-series setbacks

Bangladesh suffered a massive blow after premier all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan was ruled out due to coronavirus. However, he has been declared fit to play and his bowling stats are nothing noteworthy but showcase an impressive average of 40.53 with the bat against Sri Lanka. 

Another player missing in action is Mehidy Hasan. Mehidy's track record at home has been phenomenal, scalping 73 wickets at 23.73 while playing some handy knocks down the order. However, he was ruled out of the first Test after suffering a finger injury and remains doubtful for the second.

Batting prowess

Most of their batting will revolve around the experience of Liton Das, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mominul.

Mominul did show some courage in New Zealand but has faltered on most occasions. The 30-year-old's skills as a leader will also be under the scanner.

Rahim and Tamim will look to rekindle their past laurels in Shakib's absence.

Das has been Bangladesh's best batter since the beginning of 2021 and will look to get his record right versus the visitors. The keeper-batsman has scored 871 runs across his last 11 Tests.

Bangladesh's new batting find Mahmudul Hasan Joy will want to continue his dream run at home. Mahmudul's sheer grit, fight, and smile captivated the cricketing world during his maiden Test ton in Durban when the whole team was down and out.

Najmul Hossain Shanto is another player that Bangladesh management is backing. Again, the numbers might not reflect, but he does have the game to make it big.

Bowling stock

Bangladesh's recent surge has been due to their bowlers, who have stood out with inspiring performances off-late. Ebadot Hossain and Taijul Islam have spearheaded their attacks across their last two overseas tours.

Taijul warmed the bench for Bangladesh but shone with the ball in the only Test he played in South Africa, picking up nine wickets in a losing cause. The left-arm spinner utilizes the popping crease to perfection and keeps the batter guessing with his variations and guile, which could pose a challenge to Sri Lanka, against whom he has 22 wickets.

Ebadot's journey from volleyball to cricket has been inspiring to say the least. Initially known for bowling fast, the 28-year-old from Sylhet slowly added accuracy to his repertoire, which helped Bangladesh win a historic Test in New Zealand.

Lanky fast bowler Khaled Ahmed will want to make his mark at home after an average outing in South Africa.

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan would like to repeat his performance from the last series he played at home, where he became the second-youngest Bangladeshi to pick up a five-wicket haul.

Bangladesh will have to work hard if they desire to beat Sri Lanka, who might be coming off a rough patch themselves, but on tracks that offer spice, they are no pushovers. Instead, batters will need to control their aggression and display patience - an art that this side seldom applies.

This home series gives the young lot to stand up and mark their arrival in Tests and the experienced ones to prove their mantle again.