In international cricket, where teams rise and fall on the field of play, Bangladesh has been quietly building a Test team that has caught the attention of one of cricket's most respected analysts, Harsha Bhogle. Known for his insightful commentary and analysis, Harsha Bhogle recently described Bangladesh's current 16-member squad for the upcoming Test series against India as the country's best in a very long time.
Harsha Bhogle's statement is not just praise; it is a reflection of the hard work, strategic planning and emerging talent of the Bangladesh cricket team. The team, which is set to face India in a two-Test series starting in Chennai on September 19, offers a mix of experience and youthful energy that can pose a big challenge even to a strong team like India.
“I truly believe this is the best Test team I have ever seen [Bangladesh] For a very long time,” said Bhogle
“At No. 1 they have pace. Nahid Rana is one of the most exciting bowlers to have emerged from Bangladesh in recent times. Whenever you see real pace, there is something about it that surprises you. We saw him trouble a lot of good Pakistani batsmen.
“Hasan Mahmud took wickets there and this is another opportunity. I don't want it, but maybe this is the last chance for Taskin [Ahmed] He came here and showed everybody why so many of us rated him so highly.
“They have three genuine fast bowlers, but I rate them even higher because if you look at the top eight, they have two players who can do wicketkeeping, both are good enough to play as batsmen in this lineup and two skilful spin bowling all-rounders,” he said. Shakib [Al Hasan]Of course, and every time you see him he looks better, I am talking about Mehedi Miraz.
“If you look at their 5, 6, 7, 8, Mushfiqur, Shakib, Liton Das and Miraz, they are all batting one number below their potential and that's a common test you do when looking at a batting lineup, are players batting above their potential or are they batting below their potential. In this Bangladesh lineup, they are all batting below their potential, which is a very good indicator of batting depth and batting strength.”
“I feel from looking at them that both Liton and Mehedi Miraz are ready to play a much bigger role now. I don't know how long Shakib will play. I think he is closer to the end than the beginning.
“I think he is on his last legs, I think Mushfiqur must be thinking the same thing [Rahim] Although he is batting as well as ever and he is a courageous player. But if both of them move on, I think they have perfect replacements in Liton and Mehedi.”
“So if India field Bumrah and Siraj and maybe Akashdeep who has extra pace or maybe a left-hander in Yash Dayal, don't be surprised if there is a baptism of fire and pace. But Bangladesh will bring a lot of pace and that will be a test for them.”
“India will start as favourites, I would even say India will start as heavy favourites. But I would like to see a bit of fight from Bangladesh. If they can give that fight, it will be a good two-Test series.”
The core of this team's strength lies in its batting lineup. Bhogle's emphasis on the top four players reflects a change in Bangladesh's approach. Historically, Bangladesh's batting has been inconsistent, often collapsing under pressure. However, recent performances show that the batting order is more robust and resilient. Emerging players such as Tamim Iqbal, if he plays, Mominul Haque, and Nazmul Hossain Shanto have shown glimpses of a strong top order. Their ability to score runs against quality bowling attacks in a variety of conditions is crucial, especially on pitches that may not provide the spin-friendly conditions they are accustomed to at home.
The bowling attack has also made commendable progress. While Bangladesh has always had spinners who can trouble batsmen, there is room for improvement in their fast bowling. The inclusion of players like Ibadat Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, who have shown they can swing the ball and maintain pace, adds a new dimension. This balance between pace and spin can be crucial, especially in conditions where the ball can swing or seam, challenging even the best batting lineups.
Bhogle's comments also highlight a wider story in cricket – the evolution of teams traditionally considered underdogs. Bangladesh's journey from a team that struggled to win matches to one that can be called competitive, if not dangerous, in the Test arena is a testament to cricket's growth globally. This evolution is not just in terms of skill, but also in tactics, fitness and mental toughness.
The upcoming series against India will be a litmus test for this Bangladeshi team. With their rich cricketing history and current form, India is a perfect opponent to gauge Bangladesh's standing. This series could prove to be a turning point not just for Bangladesh but for the cricketing world as well. If they manage to put up a strong fight or pull off an upset, it will not only prove Bhogle's assessment right but also signal a change in the dynamics of Test cricket.
Moreover, Bhogle's analysis often goes beyond the immediate game. Recognising the Bangladesh team as their best in a long time could inspire a generation of cricketers in Bangladesh. It's not just about the current series, but about setting a benchmark for future teams. This recognition could encourage more young talent to take cricket seriously, with the goal of not just participating but dominating.
Harsha Bhogle's description of Bangladesh's Test team as the best in years is more than just an opinion; it is an indicator of changing trends in cricket. Bangladesh, with its blend of experience, emerging talent and strategic play, is set to challenge the established norms. The cricketing fraternity is keenly watching not just for the result of the series, but also for the possibilities it holds for the future of Test cricket from Bangladesh. This series will perhaps be remembered as the one when Bangladesh truly made its presence felt as a force in the longest format of the game.