Bangladesh vs New Zealand 1st Test: Bangladesh and New Zealand Kick Off World Test Championship with Sylhet Showdown
Bangladesh vs New Zealand 1st Test: Bangladesh and New Zealand Kick Off World Test Championship with Sylhet Showdown
The inaugural Test match of the new World Test Championship cycle unfolds in Sylhet, a city that may be geographically close to India but exudes a wholly distinct ambiance. New Zealand and Bangladesh return to the Test arena after extended hiatuses, with the Black Caps last gracing the red-ball format eight months ago and the Tigers five. This clash marks the commencement of their respective World Test Championship campaigns, elevating the stakes beyond mere victory.
New Zealand, the defending champions of the previous cycle, fell short of their aspirations, failing to secure a spot in the final. This lapse may have served as a wake-up call, prompting them to field a formidable squad for this tour, a stark contrast to the second-string contingent that contested the ODI series in September.
The seasoned skipper, Kane Williamson will anchor the batting lineup alongside Tom Latham, Devon Conway, and Henry Nicholls, forming a solid top four. Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, fresh off their collective tally of five centuries in the World Cup, carry a wealth of confidence into this encounter.
Skipper Tim Southee spearheads a bowling attack that is likely to favor spin. Ish Sodhi, who claimed a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh this year in a different format, is a strong contender. Mitchell Santner, absent from the Test arena for over two years, appears set for a comeback. Ajaz Patel presents another formidable option for the selectors. Ravindra’s all-round prowess will be crucial, while Neil Wagner, if selected as the second seamer alongside Southee, can expect a significant workload.
Bangladesh, driven by the desire to swiftly move on from their disappointing World Cup campaign, faces this series with a depleted squad. Captain Shakib Al Hasan and his deputy Litton Das are sidelined, along with fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain. With the exception of Litton, who is on paternity leave, the remaining players are out due to injuries. Bangladesh has been forced to restructure their bowling attack, while Shakib and Tamim Iqbal’s absences have left gaping holes in the batting lineup.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan are likely to open the batting, but much will hinge on the performances of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, and Mushfiqur Rahim. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will shoulder the responsibility of leading an inexperienced bowling attack. While Bangladesh’s prospects may not appear promising, Sylhet could provide a much-needed escape from the lingering World Cup discussions that seem to dominate Bangladeshi cricket circles.
Form Guide
Bangladesh: WWLLL (last five Tests, most recent first)
New Zealand: WWWLD
In the Spotlight: Mominul Haque and Rachin Ravindra
Mominul Haque typically shies away from the spotlight. This inclination, coupled with a batting slump, contributed to his decision to relinquish the Test captaincy last year. Despite his aversion to attention, Haque remains Bangladesh’s Test batting linchpin. He is tasked with quickly rediscovering his rhythm, despite acknowledging the challenges Test specialists face when returning to the format after extended breaks. Nonetheless, his recent exploits as the leading run-scorer in the National Cricket League’s first-class tournament suggest that batting form may not be a major concern for the left-hander.
Rachin Ravindra’s World Cup heroics will undoubtedly draw much attention during this series.
Having emerged as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the World Cup, including centuries against England, Australia, and Pakistan, Ravindra is poised for a different role in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Anticipate him batting lower down the order and playing a more prominent role in the bowling department. This early exposure to the highest level of cricket has undoubtedly transformed him as a cricketer.
Team News: Additional Spinners for Both Sides
In the absence of Litton Das, Nurul Hasan will take over behind the stumps, while Khaled Ahmed is likely to replace Taskin Ahmed in the bowling unit. If they opt for a five-man attack, Nayeem Hasan is expected to join the ranks as the third spinner.
Pitch and Conditions: Sylhet Favors Batters
Sylhet’s reputation as Bangladesh’s premier batting ground was further solidified during the five white-ball international matches held there this year. While it hasn’t hosted a Test match in five years, the venue has witnessed six first-class scores in excess of 400 runs during that period. The weather in Sylhet is predominantly dry, with a breeze descending from the hills, often contributing to a drop in temperature.
Sylhet Showdown Kicks Off ICC World Test Championship 2023 – 25 Cycle
The inaugural Test match of the new World Test Championship cycle unfolds in Sylhet, a city that may be geographically close to India but exudes a wholly distinct ambiance. New Zealand and Bangladesh return to the Test arena after extended hiatuses, with the Black Caps last gracing the red-ball format eight months ago and the Tigers five. This clash marks the commencement of their respective World Test Championship campaigns, elevating the stakes beyond mere victory.
New Zealand Aim for Redemption
New Zealand, the defending champions of the previous cycle, fell short of their aspirations, failing to secure a spot in the final. This lapse may have served as a wake-up call, prompting them to field a formidable squad for this tour, a stark contrast to the second-string contingent that contested the ODI series in September.
Experienced Batting Line-Up
The seasoned skipper, Kane Williamson will anchor the batting lineup alongside Tom Latham, Devon Conway, and Henry Nicholls, forming a solid top four. Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, fresh off their collective tally of five centuries in the World Cup, carry a wealth of confidence into this encounter.
Spin-Dominated Bowling Attack
Skipper Tim Southee spearheads a bowling attack that is likely to favor spin. Ish Sodhi, who claimed a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh this year in a different format, is a strong contender. Mitchell Santner, absent from the Test arena for over two years, appears set for a comeback. Ajaz Patel presents another formidable option for the selectors. Ravindra’s all-around prowess will be crucial, while Neil Wagner if selected as the second seamer alongside Southee, can expect a significant workload.
Bangladesh Face Depleted Squad
Bangladesh, driven by the desire to swiftly move on from their disappointing World Cup campaign, faces this series with a depleted squad. Captain Shakib Al Hasan and his deputy Litton Das are sidelined, along with fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain. With the exception of Litton, who is on paternity leave, the remaining players are out due to injuries. Bangladesh has been forced to restructure their bowling attack, while Shakib and Tamim Iqbal’s absences have left gaping holes in the batting lineup.
Sylhet Offers a Fresh Start
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan are likely to open the batting, but much will hinge on the performances of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, and Mushfiqur Rahim. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will shoulder the responsibility of leading an inexperienced bowling attack. While Bangladesh’s prospects may not appear promising, Sylhet could provide a much-needed escape from the lingering World Cup discussions that seem to dominate Bangladeshi cricket circles.
