Taylor wary of Bangladesh veterans

Cricket365
October 7, 2013

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is not taking the Bangladesh players lightly ahead of the first Test in Chittagong, saying past experience of guys like Shakib-al-Hasan and Tamim Iqbal has taught him to be cautious.

The last time the Black Caps visited Bangladesh, three years ago, they lost the ODI series 4-0, so Taylor knows how dangerous the ever-improving hosts can be, and says they will need to be in top form at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium.

The former skipper said of the whitewash: "Oh, until you mentioned it I forgot all about it. We need to be at the top of our game to not only compete but to put pressure on them as well."

He continued: "The Test series last time was 1-0 here. We are focusing on the Tests and we know that Bangladesh are a very good side in these conditions.

"Obviously Tamim and Shakib are world-class players. There's Abdur Razzak who has had a lot of success against us in the past. We have seen a lot of [Sohag] Gazi through footage. Mahmudullah has played very well against us as well, scored a hundred in Hamilton.

"We have got some more scouting in the next couple of days. Cricket is a team game, but individuals approach each player. You give them a game plan and they figure out a formula. There are some good individuals in the Bangladesh side that we need to be aware of."

The last time the Kiwis played in Chittagong was 2008, and of that side only Taylor and Brendon McCullum remain. There are a few new faces for the Tigers to contend with, including uncapped leg spinner Ish Sodhi.

Taylor said: "Bangladesh wouldn't have seen a lot of them as well so that's a plus. Bruce Martin has been around for a long time, and has been very successful in domestic cricket, I am sure he will look to cement a spot in the Test arena and what better place than to do here than Bangladesh.

"Ish [Sodhi] is yet to make his Test debut as well, and if he does I am sure he will relish it. Any legspinner is going to be dangerous, if they put the ball in the right areas for a long time."