Published: Oct 06, 2016, 08:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 06, 2016, 03:45 PM (IST)
England are set to play their first of the three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Friday against Bangladesh. While England are coming with a mindset of victory and setting the tone higher before playing India in their backyard, Bangladesh are aiming to continue their winning momentum against the visitors. The last these two teams indulged in a bilateral series was in 2010, which consisted of three ODIs and two-Tests. Knowing the recent victories England garnered against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in limited-overs cricket, Bangladesh have a lot to be wary about. However, Bangladesh have done their bit as well and have not only won their previous ODI series against Zimbabwe last year but also triumphed against Afghanistan in the recently concluded series. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Bangladesh vs England, 1st ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
But the series was under spotlight, after horrifying terror attacks in July. The attack saw 20 people being killed by Islamist militants. Immediately, England’s tour to the subcontinent was pondered upon. It is to be noted, that last year Australia had cancelled their tour to Bangladesh, due to security concerns. Then the teams were to play two Tests. However, after an Italian diplomat was shot down by the Islamic militants, matters just got worse. With regards to this tour, it finally happened after the Bangladesh government and officials assured tight security. Finally, the shift focused on cricket.
However, England were at a loss as their limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan along with their opening batsman Alex Hales decided to pull out of the tour. Disappointments were expressed by former England cricketers like Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss who felt it might affect Morgan’s career in future. Just few days prior to the series, England’s pace bowler James Anderson along with Mark Wood was also ruled out due to injury. Instead, Jake Ball for Tests and Steven Finn for the ODI series were named as replacements.
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Morgan’s absence brings Jos Buttler into the picture as stand-in captain for ODI series. Buttler has also shown his prowess as a leader in the tour match against BCB Select XI at Dhaka on Tuesday with his unbeaten 80 that helped England XI win by four wickets. Apart from Buttler, Moeen Ali once again stood tall in tour match with his crucial score of 70 in the middle and saving England from crisis once again. England have already taken a step ahead in the series with their ever growing performance and will hope to continue the legacy in the first ODI at Dhaka.
Meanwhile, BCB Select XI showed grit and determination, playing on their strengths as they set a mammoth score of 309 against England XI in the tour match. Imrul Kayes once again shone in the tour match with his century. Kayes was at the top even of his game in the first ODI against Afghanistan putting up gigantic partnership along with Bangladesh’s key player Tamim Iqbal. Tamim left no stone unturned in the ODI series with his fifty in the first and a thumping century in the final clash to help Bangladesh clinch the series against Afghanistan. However, Bangladesh will be hopeful that their ace players like Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah too go all out against strong England side.
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Although captain Mashrafe Mortaza seems to be a question mark at the moment due to his ankle injury, Bangladesh will hope to have their leader around for the first ODI. Mushfiqur Rahim also showed his talent with the bat as he scored 51 to help Bangladesh go past the 300-run mark in the warm-up tie. The hosts will be happy to have Taskin Ahmed back in the side, who can rattle the English batsman in limited-overs cricket. With Al-Amin Hossain also around, Bangladesh’s pace attack looks stronger.
Newcomer Mosaddek Hossain has also proven to be a hidden talent and this will be an opportunity for him to seal his spot in the squad. As for the comeback man Mosharraf Hossain, who took three wickets, he will also be under the spotlight. But all eyes will be on Bangladesh’s biggest match-winner Shakib Al-Hasan, who has the capability to steal show from England.
England are no less than a box of chocolate waiting to explode one by one in the form of Jason Roy, James Vince, Jonathan Bairstow, Ben Stokes and new comer Ben Duckett. Bowling is equally power-packed with Chris Woakes, who was the star in the tour against Pakistan, Finn, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Moeen and the likes. What also remains surprising is the return of Gareth Batty for Test series after 11 years. Unfortunately, Joe Root will be rested for the ODI series and will be seen in the whites for the Test series along with skipper Alastair Cook.
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If given a closer look at the past record between these sides, easily England are the winners with 13 wins out of the 16 matches played. However, Bangladesh had the last laugh winning the crucial match against England in ICC World Cup 2015 and ensuring they reach the quarter-final of the tournament. Bangladesh’s yet another victory was at Chittagong thrashing the visitors by mere two wickets. England will be all set for a sweet revenge against the hosts in this series.
All in all, a good series is on the cards as both the teams have the caliber to change the tide of the game at given scenario.
Squads:
Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Al-Amin Hossain, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mosharraf Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al-Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed.
England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Steven Finn, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Chris Woakes.
Time: 14:30 local | 08:30 GMT | 14:00 IST
