Second Test preview: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka

Bangladesh vindicated the International Cricket Council's so-called 'position paper's' bid to resign them to the bottom half of the world game for a substantial period in the series opener, and are not likely to buck the trend in Chittagong.
Bangladesh vindicated the International Cricket Council's so-called 'position paper's' bid to resign them to the bottom half of the world game for a substantial period in the series opener, and are not likely to buck the trend in Chittagong.
Admittedly, conditions are bound to prove dryer and slower – insisting on the addition of an extra spinner in the talented Abdur Razzak instead of seamer Al-Amin Hossain. The rest, however, don't sport the firepower needed.
The case of captain Mushfiqur Rahim and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan being a veritable two-man army has rung true far too often. The remainder are not stepping up in support consistently enough. Perhaps this week will be different.
What the shorter formats of the international game bring, the ultimate version takes away. Bangladesh must find the balance, if gains are to be made, particularly against a Sri Lanka unit prone to the odd choke.
The tourists were not afforded much of an opportunity to hone combinations in the first match. Almost everyone succeeded, and then some, and it's only really the young Dinesh Chandimal in need of runs.
The right-hander will have the additional responsibility behind the stumps again, as Prasanna Jayawardene won't be returning – yet – due to personal reasons. Now is the time for Chandimal to answer critics, perhaps even up the order, above captain Angelo Mathews at least.
The bowling ranks are reasonably unsettled, with seamer Suranga Lakmal growing in stature – and required to lead the attack in the absence of the injured Shaminda Eranga. It has been a long time coming, but Lakmal is finding a welcome groove for the future. The selectors, and new coach Paul Farbrace, will be pleased. The recalled Ajantha Mendis, meanwhile, should replace the injured Rangana Herath.
<b>Key Men</b><br>Opener <b>Tamim Iqbal</b> is an old hand in a younger order now, and certainly the man required to substantiate selection. The youngsters need guidance.
<b>Dilruwan Perera</b> is doing a masterful job in completing the balance of the XI, with bat and ball, so much so Ajantha Mendis – prolific in Chittagong – will probably be kept out of the XI.
<b>Last Five Head-To-Head Results</b><br>2014: First Test: Sri Lanka won by an innings and 248 runs in Dhaka<br>2013: Second Test: Sri Lanka won by seven wickets in Colombo<br>2013: First Test: Match drawn in Galle<br>2009: Second Test: Sri Lanka won by 465 runs in Chittagong<br>2008: First Test: Sri Lanka won by 107 runs in Dhaka
<b>Probable Teams</b><br><i>Bangladesh:</i> Tamim Iqbal, Shamsur Rahman, Marshall Ayub, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Nasir Hossain, Abdur Razzak, Sohag Gazi, Robiul Islam, Rubel Hossain.
<i>Sri Lanka:</i> Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews (captain), Kithuruwan Vithanage, Dinesh Chandimal (wicketkeeper), Dilruwan Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep.
<b>Dates:</b> 4 to 8 February<br><b>Morning session:</b> 09:30-11:30 (03:30-05:30 GMT)<br><b>Afternoon session:</b> 12:10-14:10 (06:10-08:10 GMT)<br><b>Evening session:</b> 14:30-16:30 (08:30-10:30 GMT)<br><b>On-field umpires:</b> Paul Reiffel and Nigel Llong<br><b>Third umpire:</b> Anisur Rahman<br><b>Match referee:</b> David Boon
Latest
-
News
Darren Stevens ‘looking forward to the ‘next chapter’ as his Kent innings ends
The all-rounder will leave Kent after 17 years at the end of the season.
-
News
Darren Stevens announces his retirement at the age of 46
The all-rounder’s 17-year stint at Kent will end later this year.
-
The Hundred
Hundred history-maker Will Smeed: ‘I very much still want to play everything’
The rising star of the white-ball game could be on England’s radar.
-
The Hundred
Lauren Winfield-Hill stars as Oval Invincibles begin title defence with big win
The home side defeated the Northern Superchargers by nine wickets.
-
News
Sam Curran the main man as Oval Invincibles beat Northern Superchargers
Curran scored 60 in his side’s three-wicket win at the Kia Oval.
-
England
England opener Alex Lees keen to see aggressive approach adopted in county game
The Durham batter has used the break in Test cricket to spread the word.
-
The Hundred
‘It was awesome’ – Will Smeed ends his 90s curse to hit Hundred’s first century
The youngster had fallen short of a maiden century on multiple occasions during the first half of 2022.
-
The Hundred
Will Smeed becomes first batter to hit ton in Hundred during Birmingham win
The opener cracked an unbeaten 101 off 50 balls.
-
England
Women’s game on upward trend and schools an important target – Anya Shrubsole
The 30-year-old pace bowler was restricted to competing against boys during childhood.