New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Preview: Tigers ponder changes to cease losing streak

Mustafizur Rahman is most likely to return.

Published - 07 Mar 2019, 14:17 IST | Updated - 07 Mar 2019, 14:17 IST

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New Zealand haven’t been a happy hunting ground for Bangladesh by any stretch of the imagination. Barring the two-day practice match at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, the Tigers have lost everything. After the shambolic 3-0 defeat in the three-match ODI series where the bowling flattered to deceive, the scenario worsened for them in the first of the three Tests at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Mahmudullah’s team lost the opening encounter by an innings and 52 runs despite three of their batters- Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, and the captain, getting tons. The fast bowlers toiled hard for as many as 87 overs and picked up only one wicket that too of a lower-order batsman- Neil Wagner. The second Test is scheduled to be played tomorrow at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Needless to say that the Black Caps are firm favourites to wrap up the series. Moreover, they have also won all their last eight Tests against Bangladesh at home. The Kiwis got most boxes ticked in the batting department. However, the Kane Williamson-captained side would be wishing for a slightly better show from the bowling unit that looked a tad at bay especially in Bangladesh’s second innings.

Team Combination

New Zealand

The opening batters in Jeet Raval and Tom Latham would want to continue with their rich vein of form along with captain Kane Williamson. Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls are the men in the middle. Watling and Grandhomme add depth to the batting. Grandhomme will also partner Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Wagner in the fast bowling department. Todd Astle is the lone spin bowling option.

Probable XI

Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Bangladesh

Mustafizur Rahman is likely to replace last match’s debutant, Ebadat Hossain. Mushfiqur Rahim’s return isn’t yet confirmed and if he plays, then Liton Das may have to sit out. Tamim Iqbal was their leading run-getter in the last game and the onus will be on him to give his team a good start. Abu Jayed and Khaled Ahmed would get another chance to make amends. Mehidy Hasan in the all-rounder.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah (C), Liton Das (WK)/Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, Abu Jayed, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadat Hossain/Mustafizur Rahman

Focus will be on

Ross Taylor- New Zealand

The track in the erstwhile encounter was a batsman’s paradise and had virtually nothing for the bowlers. Unfortunately, Taylor couldn’t capitalise on the batting-friendly conditions and got out to Soumya Sarkar after scoring only four runs from 19 deliveries. Taylor has been in good form over the last few months and he won’t want another failure in the upcoming contest.

Mohammad Mithun- Bangladesh

Following his half-centuries in the first two games of the ODI series, Mithun missed the last game due to a hamstring injury. He returned for the first Test, but couldn’t make an impact with the bat in hand. He put his head down for 24 balls and churned out eight runs before falling prey to left-arm pacer Neil Wagner. A good knock from him would only add to his confidence.