Bangladesh v West Indies 1st ODI: Five Talking Points

Following a 315 day hiatus, Bangladesh international cricket finally returned, in a routine victory they beat an unfamiliar looking West Indies team by 6 wickets with 16.1 overs to spare. We look at 5

Cricket is Back

The Bangladesh cricket team returned to action after an exasperating wait, that mere fact itself was cause for celebration and the ultimately comfortable 6 wicket win gave welcome relief to fans across the globe during these uncertain times. Indeed, it was a day for long waits coming to an end as much of the USA eagerly looked forward to the inauguration of a new President, set against that context a cricket match between two lowly ranked sides might seem insignificant but that way of thinking would be to badly misjudge the importance of cricket in the national psyche of Bangladesh. 

The empty stands were a new and unusual feature at Mirpur but they must have felt like a familiar characteristic to the West Indies players and it was a great shame that there was no crowd to witness both teams taking a knee prior to start. As all the team, management and support staff knelt on the Mirpur turf, Bangladesh created even more history on a historic day by becoming the first South Asian cricket team to take a knee. The impact of the gesture can’t easily be measured but even if it alerts a single person in a country of over 164 million to the cause of anti-racism, a result bigger than the outcome of the match itself would be achieved.

Shakib’s very own drama continues

As well as the return of international cricket for Bangladesh, the game was notable for being Shakib’s first outing following his lengthy ban for not reporting an approach by an Indian bookmaker. Most of Shakib’s adult life has played out like one of the dramas that millions watch in Bangladesh every evening on tv, consisting of outrageous storylines and unexpected twists at every juncture. So it almost felt preordained that he should take a wicket with his ninth ball and end up with the scarcely believable match figures of 4-8 from 7.2 overs. Shakib has reportedly worked on his bowling during his absence from competition, developing his action to produce more bounce and turn. Whether it was these improvements that catapulted him to yet another man of the match performance is difficult to determine, as at times the West Indies batsman seemed paralysed by his aura and reputation alone. The inexperience of the batsman was clearly a factor in Shakib’s success, McCarthy’s ugly swipe across the line gifted a wicket and Bonner’s inability to pick the arm ball followed by an even worse DRS review, were just two examples of typical mistakes from newbies.

Shakib’s post-match presentation interview was also strangely compulsive and bizarre viewing as his body language barely concealed his indifference to the perfectly reasonable questions being asked of him. It’s never easy or wise to try and understand Shakib’s thought process but one thing is certain, you are always guaranteed entertainment and incident of some kind when he’s on a cricket field.

Bangladesh’s pace revolution bears fruit

Although Shakib’s man of the match performance will make headlines, it was Hasan Mahmud’s debut performance that’s arguably of greater significance. The team management will be delighted by his bowling figures of 3-28, his energic display vindicated the renewed emphasis on developing the fast bowling unit. His strong action and accuracy combined to dismiss Powell with a contender for ball of the match, the batsman had little option but to play at and edge an expertly directed delivery outside off stump. In normal circumstances the decibel levels at the national stadium would have gone up a few notches when Mahmud trapped Reifer LBW with the very next ball, the lack of remaining DRS reviews costing the batsman dearly as tv replays showed the upward trajectory of the ball continuing over the stumps. However, credit should go to the bowler for having the intelligence to bowl such a tight line to a batsman fresh at the crease.

Mahmud’s future is a bright and promising one, he’s just one of a crop of new pace bowlers who will benefit from one another’s successes. A similar sentiment was expressed when a teenaged Taskin burst onto the scene during the 2014 T20 world cup, his debut against Australia instantly elevated him to dizzy heights, it’s hoped his subsequent years filled with injuries and loss of form won’t be mirrored by Mahmud.

Bangladesh’s safety first batting

It was clear from the outset of their batting innings that Bangladesh had decided to opt for a risk-free approach, the lack of any scoreboard pressure allowing both Tamim and Liton the luxury of playing themselves in. By curtailing their attacking instincts, Liton in particular seemed to suffer from the unfamiliarity of batting in such a restrained manner. It’s relatively easy for a cautious mindset to change into a negative one, the lack of intent was typified by the generous respect afforded to the part time spin of Jason Mohammed, from the middle order.

The result was never in any serious doubt and the comfortable margin of victory can be used as justification for the method. However, a similar lack of intent with the bat could conceivably cost Bangladesh in the future, the best teams are always adept at navigating the fine line between intent and caution. Moreover it’s inconceivable that the fans will endure too many dour performances with the bat, accustomed as they are to a more carefree and entertaining approach.

Akeal Hosein shines at the home of left arm spin

Amidst the gloom, of collective batting failure, West Indies generally stuck to their task admirably in the field even though122 is rarely a defendable score in international cricket. Joseph was unlucky not to pick up a wicket with a hostile opening spell, creating bounce from a notoriously unresponsive pitch. Akeal Hosein’s 3 wickets was the most pleasing aspect of the day from a West Indies perspective. In fact, if he wasn’t wearing the famous maroon strip, he could easily be mistaken for being one of Bangladesh’s battery of left arm spinners. It was fitting that Hosein’s debut showcased his talents at a place where left arm spin has influenced cricket unlike any other country. His wicket of Shakib, an arm ball hurrying onto the batsman, is the type of delivery that has given Shakib a stack of wickets over the years, I’m sure the irony won’t be lost on either the batsman or bowler. 

Hosein’s bowling variety was the most striking part of his performance, as well as the arm ball he appeared to bowl a classic leg break to dismiss Liton Das, the batsman looking totally confused by the abrupt change in the ball’s direction. The success or otherwise of the West Indies in the remaining matches of the tour will to a large extent depend on unearthing latent talent within the squad and they will hope others follow in Hosein’s footsteps. 

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