B’desh could be well pleased with their efforts and SLC should support them

The Bangladesh cricketers led by right hand batsman and wicket keeper Mishfiqur Rahim, although losing the Second Test to Sri Lanka by 7wickets and with it the series need not be disappointed.In fact they can be well pleased with their efforts.

They can go back home with their heads held high given their effort where they made the Sri Lankan bowlers look ordinary, by banging a score of 638 which is the best in Tests since being admitted to the elite league.

When the Bangladesh team arrived in the country, the consensus was that they were going to be easy meat. The Lankans with a new captain in Angelo Mathews were cock a hoop and were confident of winning the series two-nil without having to raise a sweat.

Need not be reiterated

And it looked that way when Sri Lanka batting first ran up a huge 570 for 3 declared. With that score it looked as though the Lankans would win by innings. But what the visitors did in reply is delightful history.The Lankans were surprised and their bowlers were frustrated on a true surface in Galle and orders would sure have gone out to the curator toprepare a wicket to suit the local bowlers, because if there was going to be another drawn game, Lankans would have had egg on their faces.

How the GREEN TOP at the R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium finally played was made a mockery of with spinner Rangana Herath getting among the wickets and scalping another 10 wicket match bag and also pocketing his 200th Test scalp, is now the laughing point where cricketers and cricket fans gather.

Formidable score to chase

Had the Bangladesh batsmen batted with more responsibility, determination and set the Lankans a formidable score to chase for victory in the Second Test would had the Lankan batsmen huffing and puffing. At the post match media briefing, the Bangladeshi captain Mishfiqur Rahim pleaded and appealed for more Test matches to be given to them to further improve their game, which certainly has after their showing in the two Tests.

Rahim said that it would not matter if they do well or not because it will give them more opportunities. He asked those who matter to give them more Tests, so that they could show that they can play good, consistent cricket at top level.

Up to the Cricket Board

He further said that it was up to their Cricket Board whether they play Three-Test series, but said they should be given eight to ten Test matches per year. He took a swipe at ODI and Twenty20 cricket, by saying that Test cricket is the ultimate. Unbelievable when one finds that Bangladesh has played only Two Three-match series since gaining Test status in 2000. They have now proved themselves somewhat and it is hoped Rahim’s wish will come true.

The Bangladeshis have some competent batsmen with very correct technique and with more experience could make their presence felt in big time cricket. It is the bowling that must be of worry to them. Sri Lanka Cricket should speak up to support the Banglaseshis.

Aussies never had it so bad

The Australian cricketers and Cricket Australia may not have had it so bad, the thrashing that has been inflicted by the Indians in the ongoing Four-match Test series now on in India. England bounced the Indians in another Four-mach Test series winning which was commendable by England considering that they were playing on wickets favouring spin.

When the Aussies arrived after bashing the Sri Lankans 3-nil in Australia, it looked as though the stage was set for yet another thrill a-minute series. But the thrills are there for the Indians and the spills for the Australians.

Panic button pressed

With the Australians being bashed in the first Two Tests, the panic button was pressed by South African born Australian coach Mickey Arthur who benched four players vice captain Shane Watson, James Pattinson, Mitchell Johnson and Usman Khawaja on frivolous grounds.

The action taken on these players was not right and unacceptable. There were other ways that coach Arthur could have acted on. When a team is in turmoil, you don’t add fuel to that fire.But that is exactly what Arthur did. And while Arthur was playing ducks and drakes, the question asked is: what was Captain Michael Clarke doing and not telling Arthur what he was doing was not cricket?

Pushed further down

The Australians were drowning after having lost the First Two Tests.Instead of throwing life jackets and rafts at the team, Arthur pushes them further down with his insensible act.

The Aussies got another thrashing in the Third Test and suffered another humiliating defeat and with it a four-nil defeat in the final Test that would have shamed all Australians. In the midst of an Indian stuffing the Australians are talking of the back-to-back Ashes series against England and exuding confidence of pommy bashing.

They must be living in a world of make believe. From reports reaching us coach Arthur has cooked his goose and put his neck on the block. It will be interesting to see how Cricket Australia will go and what they have in store for Arthur who acted a sawdust king.

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