England in Bangladesh, 2009/10 Preview - A series of opportunity
27-2-2010
Date: 26 February, 2010(Friday)
Ibrahim Moiz
Shakib al Hasan was prudent when asked about England skipper Andrew Strauss' decision to take time off during the Bangladesh tour; he offered a straight bat with "No response". His coach, Jamie Siddons, raised in the hardcore Australian style, decided to take the tossed-up delivery on the full.
After reiterating the right of people and organizations to make their own decisions, he launched the full-bunger to long-on with, "I hope it comes back to bite them on the bum at the end of the series. And then we can say 'don't come here next time as well'." The ball rocketed into the hoardings.
In fairness, it is a bit rich of the media to accuse Strauss of complacent excuses when it is they themselves who play a large role in downplaying Bangladesh. At no point in his career has the England left-hander taken his place for granted, nor shown any lack of professionalism. And it's worth remembering that his efforts, with bat and at the helm, have led England to unexpected success in the last year. Not to mention the fact that he debuted during England's only other tour of the country, in 2003-04. With all that in mind, as well as a young child at home and a history of cricket-separated families in Britain, Strauss should not be accused of laziness or complacency.
But the fact is that Bangladesh are a much tougher prospect now than in 2003, more so because of England's relatively young side. Ever since coach Siddons arrived in late 2007, the Tigers have shown a far more professional, organized routine than was previously apparent. In the old days, one could perhaps count on a fighting Habibul Bashar knock or a crafty Mohammad Rafique spell to limit the gap between Bangladesh and the opposition. But since 2007-08, there has been a gradual movement towards a methodical, occasionally match winning formula.
No longer is the Bangladesh team about individual brilliance, though they have plenty of that. Tamim Iqbal is a dashing strokeplayer who has demonstrated a fair amount of longevity in the last year; Junaid Siddique used to get carried away but is learning to spend time at the crease; Raqibul Hasan has the temperament and technique to build a substantial innings. Shakib al Hasan is one of the world's leading all-rounders--few men, for instance, can tear into the seasoned Daniel Vettori the way he did on a fifth-day pitch in New Zealand - who regularly contributes with wickets. Mushfiqur Rahim has an excellent technique and a spunky temperament, Mahmudullah Riaz is a clean striker in the middle order. Naeem Islam, at number eight, bats perhaps better than he bowls. Shafiul Islam has impressed in his few outings, while Shahadat Hossain and Rubel Hossain lend spirited, if inconsistent, ammunition to the attack. Add to that the probable return of the spirited Mashrafe Mortaza, a superb fast bowler who hits a long ball, and it would be extremely foolish to underestimate Bangladesh.
England's inexperienced side, for their part, have several points to prove. Alistair Cook will be keen to show his capabilities as a confident, professional leader. Paul Collingwood is a generally sensible, committed player whose foolish gaffe about Bangladeshi golf was the exception rather than the rule. Graeme Swann's cheeky banter adds to a genuinely guileful, almost charming brand of traditional off-spin. And there's the newbies, of course. Most eye-catching, perhaps, is Craig Kieswetter, the hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman who has impressed in the few outings he's had.
Ajmal Shahzad, the combative pace-bowling all-rounder, looks capable of replicating Andrew Flintoff's last whirlwind tour here. But there are others: Michael Carberry, a solid and steady opener who has been on the fringe despite a consistent record; James Tredwell, the Kent off-spinner who somehow looks older than his 28 years. Liam Plunkett, impressive in his maiden Test tour in 2005-06, returns to the fold, while Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan make for a mean middle order.
Their common factor? Like Bangladesh's combative ex-minnows, they have a point to prove. It should be a fascinating series.
