Virender Sehwag’s ‘Ordinary’ comments got a fitting reply as Bangladesh bowlers kept India at bay in the first innings while the first test at Chittagong. Though India got a good opening stand of 75-odd runs, the middle-order was disappointing playing some ‘ordinary’ shots facing some ‘extra-ordinary’ deliveries from the opponent captain Shakib-Al-Hasan and speedster Shahadat Hossain. India didn’t looking as gracious as they should have looked, but the majority credit must go to Bangladesh bowlers, especially Hasan and Hossain. Nevertheless, the other Bangladesh bowlers were not as faultless as the duo.

Even if Bangladesh bowlers looked at their best, their batting came much to a disappointment. First innings saw the top-order collapse, so did the second innings. It was Rahim and Mahamadullah in the first innings to take the total close to India’s total, but still they fell a run short. The second innings saw Tamim Iqbal and Rahim flourish, but Rahim ran out of partners and gave it all after his century.

The batting, especially in second innings seemed that Bangladesh players were playing a one-day game. If Bangladesh needs to win or even draw the game against the test # 1, their batting needs to click. In order of this, their batsman needs to apply and play. Iqbal, Rahim and Mahamadullah applied themselves in the first test and hence everyone saw their potential and the talent turning into runs.

The second test which begins from Sunday at Mirpur will see the comeback of India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and that can add to Bangladesh worries. Already out-of-touch Bangladesh line-up can be hit hard by Harbhajan Singh. Furthermore with MSD’s comeback, India’s batting can get a good strength-booster and ofcourse MSD’s presence in the field is a lottery-bonus.

But Bangladesh is not the only to worry. India too has a couple of injuries to look for. Sreesanth got injured while bowling and has been left out and asked to fly back home. Same goes for VVS Laxman, who injured his finger while attempting a catch at the third slip. Even though Laxman was scheduled to leave on Friday, he was seen practicing today. His place in the XI is quite uncertain and hence the young lag, Murali Vijay can take the field tomorrow in VVS’ absence.  

For Image Courtesy and further details: http://bit.ly/4ROCTc