Published: Jun 01, 2017, 07:30 AM (IST)
Edited: May 31, 2017, 11:06 PM (IST)
The first match of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is less than 8 hours away from now. England will face a much-improved Bangladesh side to kick start the tournament in a blazing fashion. Eoin Morgan‘s side have come a long way since their unpleasant outing in ICC World Cup 2015. Interestingly, England’s worst day on the field in the event came against Bangladesh. It was a must-win encounter for both sides, wherein the Asian side prevailed by 15 runs to stun the English camp. In all likelihood, it will be a chance of redemption for the hosts, and strong contenders, in the inaugural match and start their campaign on a desired note. Full Cricket Scorecard, England vs Bangladesh, 1st ODI, ICC Champions Trophy 2017
If England have formed an aggressive unit since their World Cup 2015 debacle, Bangladesh have also gone a step ahead taming opponents at home and challenging teams overseas. This will be their biggest assignment to show the cricketing world that they belong to the big league and can cause setbacks to any side in the three-week long tournament. Good start to an ICC tournament is crucial for any side and both teams will be wary of not conceding vital points to the opposite dugout. Let us walk through some of the key clashes for Match 1 between England and Bangladesh at The Oval, London.
Tamim Iqbal vs Mark Wood: Touted as ‘legend’ at home, Tamim has not done anything worthwhile against England. In the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series in 2016, the left-hander averaged 25.33 with a best of 45. In England, Tamim’s bat has remained silent with a paltry average of 20.66. To make matters worse, the swashbuckling left-hander has an overall below par record against the hosts. In 12 games, Tamim averages 28.42 with a solitary hundred. The Bangladesh camp will look upto him for a good start in the tournament opener against the strong pace battery of England. He will be up against Mark Wood in the initial overs.
The battle between Wood and Tamim will set the tone in the first powerplay overs. If Tamim gets the better of the right-arm pacer, Bangladesh will be on course. On the other hand, Wood will be eager to see the back of the left-hander as early as possible. He will also play his first game versus Bangladesh, but his records in England will keep him in good stead appearing in his first ICC match.
In 14 games, Wood has scalped 15 wickets at an economy of 5.72. His recent death over blitz against South Africa will keep him in good stead.
Joe Root vs Mustafizur Rahman: Root forms England’s backbone at the top order. On the other hand, Mustafizur will spearhead the attack for the Tigers. The two vital cogs, for their respective dens, will ensure a riveting face-off on the 22-yard. Root has been tentative against the back-of-length deliveries. He tends to get caught in the crease, and Bangladesh would be wary of this ploy ahead of Thursday’s opener. They will be banking upon Mustafizur to get rid of Root early in the innings and dominate from thereon.
Interestingly, Mustafizur will be playing his first game against England. If conditions are akin to bowlers, he will surely test the English batsmen who were found wanting against South Africa in their last ODI. On his day, the 21-year-old can wreak havoc in the middle and Bangladeshi fans would be hoping for the same from the youngster.
Ben Stokes vs Shakib Al Hasan: This will be the clash-of-the-titans. The all-rounders from both camps can contribute in all departments and will also try to keep an edge over the other. Stokes was the second highest run-scorer in the last bilateral series against Bangladesh. On the other hand, Shakib also chipped in with crucial wickets to keep the opposition at bay in the same series. Be it bowling in the death or accelerating in the middle overs, both the left-handers can turn the complexion of game on their own.
Eoin Morgan vs Mehedi Hasan: Morgan has been in prime form of late. He has notched up centuries in every series played in 2017, so far, (against India, West Indies and South Africa). This makes him the player to watch out for in ICC Champions Trophy 2017. He would like to start from game one itself. Nonetheless, if Mashrafe Mortaza is aware of Morgan’s records against right-arm spinners, he will quickly resort to Mehedi Hasan to dismiss his counterpart. In 52 dismissals against spin bowling, Morgan has thrown his wicket 42 times against right-arm spinners. Mehedi will test the Irishman and try to put a lid on the scoreboard as well.
Mahmudullah vs Adil Rashid: This battle has so far been dictated by Rashid. The 29-year old has dismissed Mahmudullah on the last three occasions. In the bilateral series of 2016, Rashid got the better of Mahmudullah and Bangladesh’s Mr. Dependable will be looking to make amends this time around. For the right-hander, he will look upto his innings against the Poms in World Cup 2015 which led to the latter’s exit.
Mahmudullah holds fort in the middle and end overs. Morgan uses Rashid during that phase as well. A sure-shot blockbuster, hence, is on the cards when these two players lock horns at The Oval, London.
