The forthcoming BAN vs WI 2022 Test series is crucial for the Bangladesh team in order to revive the country’s longer format after losing two straight series. Shakib Al Hasan has taken over as captain after Mominul Haque was stripped of his duties. Will Bangladesh be able to overcome the West Indies and make a big comeback? The Tigers should be confident in their ability to exert pressure on the Caribbean side, as they have a number of talented players on their squad. Let’s look at five players with better records against the West Indies and who might make a difference in the BAN vs WI Test series 2022.
Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh in the BAN vs WI Test Series 2022
Some Bangladesh players will have to shoulder extra responsibilities in order to win the Test series against the Caribbean team. Let’s have a look at five Bangladesh players who might make an impact in the Test series against the West Indies.
Tamim Iqbal
Test Inn: 24 | Runs: 853 | HS: 128 | Ave: 35.54 | 100s: 1
Tamim Iqbal will be the most important player in batting for Bangladesh in the upcoming series as he has to play the anchor role. Bangladesh need to stay at the crease as long as possible to ensure Tamim gets a commanding total on board.
His record against the West Indies is the best among the Bangladesh players. Tamim has 427 runs in 12 innings in the West Indies, which is the most by any Bangladesh batter. The charismatic left-hander needs to continue his good run of form in the forthcoming series.
Shakib Al Hasan
Test Match: 11 | Runs: 813 | HS: 97 | Ave: 45.16 | 100s: 0 | Wickets: 46 | BBI: 6/33 | Ave: 24.54 | 5Ws: 3
Shakib Al Hasan has a great record against the West Indies, both as a player and as a captain. Bangladesh’s three out of four Test victories against the West Indies have come under Shakib Al Hasan’s captaincy. Shakib is the second-highest run scorer for Bangladesh against the West Indies. Besides, he has picked up 21 wickets in just 4 matches in the Caribbean Islands. Shakib will be the most important player for Bangladesh during the series.
Litton Das
Test Inn: 9 | Runs: 326 | HS: 71 | Ave: 36.22 | 100s: 0
Litton Das’s Test record against West Indies hasn’t been impressive, but he has the potential to improve his record. Litton has been in outstanding form since 2021 and has become a more mature batter, especially in the longer-version format. In the absence of Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton has to take extra responsibility to strengthen the Bangladesh middle-order.
Taijul Islam
Test Match: 7 | Wickets: 33 | BBI: 6/33 | Ave: 26.30 | 5Ws: 2
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has been the main strike bowler for Bangladesh in the last two years in the Test format. He is the only Bangladeshi bowler who has taken 8 wickets in an innings. Taijul Islam has bagged 11 wickets in 3 matches on West Indian soil. His spin bowling could cause problems for the West Indian batting line-up. Therefore, Taijul could be a real difference-maker for Bangladesh.
Mustafizur Rahman
Test Match: 2 | Wickets: 2 | BBI: 2/46 | Ave: 66.00 | 5Ws: 0
The cutter-master, Mustafizur Rahman,’s record against the West Indies is very poor. However, Mustafizur is the most reliable bowler among the pacers, especially in the absence of Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed. Mustafizur’s experience will be crucial, and he needs to step up for Bangladesh to provide important breakthroughs when needed.
Aftermath
It’s never easy to perform on a consistent basis away from home. Therefore, expecting a strong display from the majority of Bangladesh’s players is unrealistic. Players with a better record in the West Indies can make a big impact for Bangladesh in the BAN vs WI Test series 2022.
Source: United News of Bangladesh