It was perhaps not the scenario Bangladesh envisaged for this first overseas Test series win. West Indies was a little more than a reserve team, having been ravaged by a player vs. board contract dispute, but the history books will not record the circumstances of Bangladesh’s historic victory.
Before their 2-0 win in the Caribbean, the Tigers had won just one of their 59 previous Tests, against a weak Zimbabwe team on home soil. They have made little discernible progress since making their Test debut in 2000, highlighted by a dismal showing at last month’s ICC World Twenty20.
Their breakthrough win against West Indies is therefore a timely achievement. Things are suddenly looking up for Bangladesh. They have a new captain in Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and a new star in Shakib Al Hasan, player of the series in the Caribbean.
Shakib’s unbeaten 96 in the second Test at St George’s took his team to a tense victory in a closely-fought game, which revealed his ability to thrive under pressure. He averaged 56 with the bat, 18.76 with the ball in the two-match series, having taken 13 wickets.
Shakib has been making an impression in international cricket for some time. He is now ranked as the fourth best allrounder, one place above Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff, with respective Test batting and bowling averages of 29.79 and 28.27, a lower figure for bowling which always denotes a high class performer.
He had the added pressure of being captain in the second Test, standing in for the injured Mortaza, but his calm leadership, all the more impressive at the age of 22, was further evidence of his excellent credentials.
If Bangladesh are to build on their breakthrough Test performance, Shakib will be their key man. If he continues to improve his left handed batting and slow left-arm bowling, he will perhaps inspire his under-performing team to new heights.
In other cricket news, make sure you keep an eye on the Third Test odds before any Edgbaston Test betting! Check out Betfair’s new fan v fan site as well for some good old-fashioned rivalry!