NZ v BAN, 2nd Test, Preview: Injury hit Bangladesh to play for pride

Bangladesh have had a very bad time in New Zealand. After having played 7 matches across the three formats on their tour thus far, they are yet to put a win under their name. The kind of build up that is leading the fans into the second Test, a dark cloud of another defeat looms for the visitors. Just when one would have expected that things cannot go worse for them, injuries have plagued the Bangladeshi camp.

As many as three key players have been ruled out of the second Test. The list included skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, opener veteran Imrul Kayes and middle-order batsman Mominul Haque. The absence of Rahim will see Tamim Iqbal lead the side. Coming into the match, Bangladesh have nothing but pride to play for. They have lost 7 straight games on the tour.

They looked in a commanding position in the last Test but eventually played rather poorly on the final day to lose the first Test. For the hosts, the match serves as a good opportunity to establish a complete dominion on the tour. With no injury scares as such, the Kiwi outfit looks strong and favorites to win this match as well.

Team News

New Zealand

New Zealand are mostly likely to field the same side for the Test. They have looked settled in their approach. They had conceded in excess of 500 in the previous match and that will bring the onus on their bowlers this time around. The batting looks poised and comfortable.

Opener Tom Latham was brilliant with the bat in the first innings and skipper Kane Williamson led the turnaround in the second match. Most batsmen have got starts and they have very little to worry. Watch out for Colin de Grandhomme, who is yet to make an impact in this series but has a lot of potential.

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Bangladesh

While the hosts have no issues in either department, the visitors have a plenty. A thumb line fracture will see centurion from the last match Mushfiqur Rahim sit out. Mominul Haque has a rib injury and a thigh strain will keep Imrul Kayes out of the match as well. The injuries will see the need for Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah to take more responsibility with the bat.

Shakib’s form is a positive for the visitors in the match. Nazmul Hossain Shanto is likely to replace Mominul in the batting order. Nurul Hasan will take the wicket keeping gloves in absence of Rahim and Soumya Sarkar fits the bill for Imrul Kayes.

Probable XI

New Zealand

Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner.

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal (C), Soumya Sarkar, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan (wk), Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Subhasis Roy.

Match Facts

Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Time: 1100 (local), 2200 (GMT), 0330 (IST)

Pitch verdict: Bowling friendly

StAttack

• This will be the first time since 2007 that Mushfiqur Rahim will not be a part of playing eleven for Bangladesh in a Test match.
• Tamim Iqbal will lead the side for the first time in Tests. He will be the 9th skipper for the national side.
• Ross Taylor has 16 Test centuries, the second best for New Zealand after Martin Crowe (17).
• The last match at the venue had seen Pakistan bowled out for 133 in the first innings.