A two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on Friday, March 22, at Sylhet.
Bangladesh triumphed in the just finished ODI series against Sri Lanka, despite losing the T20I series. The two Asian countries will now play two Test series, with the first game scheduled to begin in Sylhet on Friday, March 22.
The head coach of Bangladesh, Chandika Hathurusingha, emphasized the disparity in experience between the two teams. Three Tests have been played by Angelo Mathews (107), Dimuth Karunaratne (89), and Dinesh Chandimal (77), which is three more than the total number of matches played by the Bangladesh team. Hathurusingha claimed, though, that Bangladesh’s younger players are providing a lot of enthusiasm to the team.
“We are aware that Sri Lanka’s batting lineup is skilled. They are a strong opposition. We are prepared for the task, even though only Mathews and a few other guys may have more than 100 tests. Our camp is in a fantastic attitude. Many of the fresh faces are here. In cricket, we have separate teams for red and white balls. “The new guys are bringing a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” ESPNcricinfo cited Hathurusingha as saying.
The 55-year-old seems cautious about the pitch’s greenish tint at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, where the first Test will take place. At this venue, Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by 150 runs in the latter part of previous year. After the Kiwis won the second Test in Dhaka by four wickets, the series was eventually tied. From the series, the Bangla Tigers were awarded 12 World Test Championship (WTC) points. Sri Lanka, who has lost both of their previous games, has not yet opened an account in the current WTC cycle.
With so many young players, Bangladeshi cricket is experiencing an exciting moment. Hathurusingha Chandika
Mushfiqur Rahim’s absence will be felt throughout the series, Hathurusingha acknowledged. Due to a thumb injury sustained during the ODIs, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter was ruled out of the series. The Colombo native did, however, name a few of the team’s younger players who could be able to handle the pressure.
“We shall miss Mushy’s encounter. He is moving well. This kind of experience is difficult to replace immediately. That being said, we will support our young players. [Towhid] Hridoy will soon arrive. Shadman [Islam] and [Shahadat Hossain] Dipu are also members of the team. They’ve recently been with the Test group.
In addition, head coach Hathurusingha stated that he was excited to see Musfik Hasan and Nahid Rana, two uncapped pacers, perform during the series. Additionally, he mentioned that both of the young players are powerful guys because they consistently bowl at speeds of above 140 mph.
“Both of these present Bangladesh with significant opportunities. They are both 140-plus bowlers. They are robust boys, despite their tender age. Their stellar careers got off to a wonderful start. Many overs were bowled by them. If not both of them, I am excited to see one of them participate in this game,” he remarked.
Before being left off the team for the third and final ODI, Litton Das had two ducks in the first two ODIs. Hathurusingha believes that the 29-year-old will have enough time to get back among the runs in red-ball cricket.
“I anticipate that Litton will score a great deal more runs in red-ball cricket. He is doing a great job on the piano. It’s not the same ball game. He’ll have more time to enter the building. His brilliance is beyond dispute. We are aware that he is presently experiencing some difficulties in his white-ball cricket career. We’re hoping he’ll regain his form,” Hathurusingha remarked.
