West Indies bowlers Jayden Seales and Kevin Sinclair have come under heavy scrutiny by the ICC for violating their Code of Conduct in the recently concluded second Test at Sabina Park. 

Seales, the Trinidad-born right-arm quick bowler has been fined 25% of his match fees after being proven guilty of breaching article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.”

His Guyanese counterpart Sinclair has been charged 15% of his match fees after being proven guilty of contravening Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match.”

See also: Bangladesh create history in Sabina Park, Register their maiden Test win in the Caribbean since 2009

The incidents that prompted ICC to take swift action

During the first over of Bangladesh’s second batting innings, Seales was seen making an inappropriate and rather offensive gesture to the visitors' dressing room after picking up a wicket. 

Sinclair too did not evade scrutiny as he visibly ignored instructions from the on-field umpires who strictly cautioned him against using foul language. 

Both players have one demerit point added to their respective disciplinary records following the unpleasant on-field altercation. 

What happened next?

Both Seales and Sinclair accepted their respective offenses and agreed to a list of stringent measures proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Hence, no formal hearing was necessary as both WI players agreed to the charges imposed on them. 

On-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Kumar Dharmasena, third umpire Nitin Menon, and fourth umpire, Zahid Bassarath played a pivotal role in identifying the wrongdoing of the players and bringing them to justice by introducing appropriate sanctions. 

It is worth noting that a Level 1 breach carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. But when a player records four or more demerit points in a two-year period, then those points are converted into suspension points, and the player is subsequently banned. 

After enduring a disappointing run since their highs of the Rawalpindi Test series, Bangladesh produced a clinical performance in Sabina Park to crush West Indies by a margin of 101 runs. Following their historic achievement, Bangladesh managed to square the series 1-1 thanks to some inspiring performances from Nahid Rana and Jaker Ali.

The win also marks their maiden Test win against West Indies in the Caribbean since 2009. Despite being bowled out for a dismal low of 164 in the first innings, Nahid Rana's ground-breaking five-fer sprung the visitors back to life as Bangladesh succeeded in restricting the hosts to 146.  

Bangladesh were then able to capitalize on the 18-run lead as Jaker Ali slammed his career-best score of 91 (107) to stretch Bangladesh's lead to a significant 286 runs. Chasing 287 on a fourth day Sabina Park pitch proved way out of reach for West Indies as Taijul's 5-50 followed by twin blows from Taskin and Mahmud obliterated the home side for 185.

See also: Jayden Seales registers the best economy rate in men's Test cricket since 1978

Records that made its way into the record books

This was Bangladesh's first Test win since the 2009 Test series which ended on a winning note for the tourists. Moreover, to be able to achieve such a ground-breaking feat without the likes of your experienced guns like Shakib, Rahim, and Shanto speaks volumes about the team's character and resilient mindset. 

A look at some of the astonishing records set in the second Test:

• Taijul collected his 15th five-wicket haul in Tests.
• Mominul Haque bagged an unwanted record to his name and now holds the record for registering the most number of ducks (18) in Test cricket.
• The speedster Nahid Rana registers his best figures of 5-61 in Test cricket.
• Kraigg Brathwaite became the first West Indian to play 86 consecutive Test matches, surpassing the legendary Garfield Sobers, who played 85.
• Jaker Ali registered his career-best Test innings of 91 (107) and took him just six innings to do so. 

Both West Indies and Bangladesh are out of contention for reaching the 2023-25 WTC final and are teetering at the bottom of the table. The historic victory gave Bangladesh a slight points percentage boost of 6.25, taking them to 31.25. As a result, they gained a place, replacing West Indies as the second-last team on the table.

See also: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: AUS vs IND 2nd Test, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

The 23-year-old right-arm quick bowler Jayden Seales has run riot with the ball in Sabina Park, Kingston. Seales has produced a ground-breaking performance in the second Test to sink Bangladesh for 164. The youngster has etched his name in the record books by achieving astonishing bowling figures of 4-5 in 15.5 overs making him the most economical bowler in Test cricket since 1978 (Minimum 10 overs bowled)

See also: Watch: Bihar teenage spinner Suman Kumar takes all 10 wickets

More about Seales' hostile bowling spell

The Trinidad-born speedster bowled a little over 15 overs on the trot which featured 10 maides and four wickets in the form of Litton, Taskin, Mehidy, and Rana. What's even more impressive is that Seales only managed to concede five runs and went at a jaw-dropping economy rate of just 0.31 RPO. No extras our boundaries were recorded in his marathon 15.5 over long spell. 

The economy rate of 0.31 RPO is now the best economy rate for any bowler in Test cricket. Seales is now ahead of Umesh Yadav and Manindar Singh on the list who are currently holding the best economy rate of 0.42 and 0.43 respectively. Apart from Seales, Umesh and Lyon are the other two bowlers to register such record-low economy rates of less than one run per over in the 21st century.

Bangladesh were cruising along at 83-2 but an unprecedented burst of hostile pace bowling from Seales and Roach triggered a catastrophic batting collapse for the visitors as they lost their remaining eight wickets for only 81 runs. Seales now averages 13.55 and has taken 18 wickets in four Test matches against Bangladesh so far.

 

 

 

 

 

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How is the game set up? 

After bundling out the tourists for 164 thanks to some spirited bowling from the Windies quicks, West Indies adopted a patient approach and posted 70 for the loss of one wicket before the call of stumps one day two. The hosts are in a commanding position and trail by another 94 runs with their skipper Kraig Brathwaite currently unbeaten on 33*.

Bangladesh cricket’s journey is set to take a fresh turn with the appointment of Mohammad Salahuddin as Senior Assistant Coach for the national team. With over two decades of coaching experience, Salahuddin has big ambitions, not only for the team’s immediate goals but for the future of local coaches in the national setup. His return marks a significant move under Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) new president, Faruque Ahmed, who looks to empower local coaching talent and break away from past hesitations. Salahuddin’s contract, running through March 2024, will officially begin with Bangladesh's upcoming tour to the West Indies.

Local coaches in the national arena

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has traditionally been cautious about assigning major responsibilities to local coaches. However, under the leadership of BCB president Faruque Ahmed, a shift is underway. Salahuddin, who holds an ACC-Cricket Australia Level 3 coaching accreditation, brings years of national and international coaching experience, having previously served Bangladesh as Assistant Coach and Fielding Coach from 2006 to 2010.

In his statement on Friday, Salahuddin expressed his gratitude for this opportunity and emphasized his vision for the local coaching community. He highlighted that his goal is not only to guide players tactically but also to build a mindset where the next generation dreams bigger and pursues consistent self-improvement. He believes this can have a long-term positive impact on the players’ mindset, saying, “As a coach, I think this is the biggest challenge for me — to make them think that they will dominate world cricket in the future.”

Salahuddin also acknowledged BCB president Faruque Ahmed’s role in his appointment, stating that Ahmed reached out multiple times to ensure Salahuddin joined the coaching team. This sense of mutual commitment adds weight to Salahuddin’s objectives of fostering local talent, which he sees as a crucial responsibility.

Building a platform for future local coaches

One of Salahuddin’s primary aims in his new role is to lay a foundation for local coaches to have a stronger presence in Bangladesh's cricket landscape. For years, discussions had been ongoing about providing a platform for Bangladeshi coaches to step into the national setup. Salahuddin now sees his appointment as an opportunity to create this pathway.

By setting a strong example, Salahuddin hopes to encourage the board to place more trust in Bangladeshi coaches in the future. “If I can pave the way, even if it’s for a short time, our local coaches might also do well,” he said, noting that such a move would help bolster the confidence of aspiring coaches and elevate the status of Bangladeshi coaching talent on the international stage.

See Also: Watch: KL Rahul's bizarre bowled against Australia A

In addition, Salahuddin emphasized his commitment to helping players in all aspects—mentally, technically, and tactically—while also sharing his experiences with the team. Reflecting on his previous tenure, he acknowledged the contributions of past players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim and expressed a desire to assist the next generation of players with the same dedication.

Mohammad Salahuddin’s return as Senior Assistant Coach for Bangladesh’s national cricket team marks a new chapter in his career and an opportunity for growth within Bangladesh’s coaching community. With his focus on player development, building confidence, and creating a foundation for future local coaches, Salahuddin’s presence is set to inspire both current players and aspiring coaches. As Bangladesh gears up for the West Indies tour, this fresh approach could set the tone for a new era in Bangladesh cricket, where the role of local talent—both on the field and in coaching—is more prominent than ever.

It was a moment of joy for the visitors as South Africa produced a special victory against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur to take an early 1-0 lead in a two-match Test series. The match came to a close during the early hours of day four as South Africa managed to get the most out of the second new ball to wind up the Bangladeshi tail in quick time. Needing only a meager 106, South Africa comfortably got home with seven wickets to spare. Kyle Verreynne was the standout batter for South Africa as his 114 not only bailed the visitors out of imminent danger but also put them on the patch of an emphatic win. 

This victory also marked the first Test win for the Proteas in 10 years on Asia soil. The last time the African nation emerged victorious in the subcontinent was way back in 2014 against Sri Lanka in Galle. In the process, South Africa have also managed to put an end to their embarrassingly long losing streak of nine Tests on Asian soil. The losing streak was initiated during their tour to India from Nagpur in 2015.

Historic first Test win against Bangladesh since 2008

Rabada, Mulder, and Maharaj ran riot to snap three wickets apiece to obliterate Bangladesh for only 106. While doing so, Rabada also succeeded in getting past the 300 Test wickets landmark. But by the end of day one, thanks to some resilient bowling from Taijul, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 108-6. on day two, Verreynne put his hand up and along with the assistance of Mulder, started performing the repair work for the visitors. The pair batted under testing conditions to add a galloping 119 runs for the seventh wicket to virtually bat the hosts out of the game. 

After amassing a lead of 202 runs, the writing was on the wall for Bangladesh. Nevertheless, Mehidy and Taijul tried to battle it out to delay the inevitable but South Africa came top on day four to prevent the Bangladeshi lead from going much further beyond their control.   Verreynne did not have to bat again in the second innings as De Zorzi and Stubbs slammed steady cameos of 41 & 30 respectively to steer South Africa to a seven-wicket win.

Interestingly enough, this is also South Africa's maiden Test win in Bangladesh in 16 years. Their last away test win against the Tigers came in 2008 in Chattogram when Smith along with McKenzie starred with the bat to register a mammoth opening stand of 415 runs which at present is still the highest-ever recorded opening stand in Test cricket. 

This win has now bettered South Africa's chances of entering the WTC Final. As a result, South Africa have improved their PCT to 47.62% and have surpassed New Zealand in the WTC points table to acquire the fourth spot. 

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the competition. Among the participating teams, Bangladesh stands out with a unique blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent.

The Bangladesh squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 is a balanced mix of experience and youth. While there are areas that need improvement, the team has the potential to make a significant impact on the tournament.

With strategic planning and execution, Bangladesh can overcome its weaknesses and threats to harness its strengths and opportunities. The journey promises to be exciting, and cricket fans will be eagerly watching how the team performs on this grand stage.

See Also: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, warm-up wrap: Canada vs Nepal, Oman vs PNG, Namibia vs Uganda

Bangladesh, in Group D, open their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 8 in Dallas before heading to New York to play South Africa (June 10), and then to St Vincent to take on Netherlands (June 13) and Nepal (June 16). They will also play two warm- up games, against USA on May 28, and opposite India on June 1 before the main tournament.

SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Strengths

One of Bangladesh’s biggest strengths is their experienced core, led by the ever-reliable Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib’s all-round abilities bring balance to the team, offering both batting stability and crucial breakthroughs with the ball. His wealth of experience in international cricket, particularly in high-stakes matches, is invaluable for guiding the younger players.

Young talents like Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy inject youthful energy and fearlessness into the squad. Tanzid Hasan has already shown promise in the few T20Is he has played, displaying a knack for aggressive starts. Towhid Hridoy’s fearless approach can be a game-changer, especially in high-pressure situations where quick runs are needed.

Bangladesh’s spin department is another formidable asset. Led by Shakib Al Hasan and supported by Mahedi Hasan and Tanvir Islam, this spin trio can effectively exploit turning tracks. Their ability to control the middle overs and take crucial wickets will be key to Bangladesh’s success in the tournament.

Weaknesses

A major concern for Bangladesh is their inconsistent batting, particularly at the top of the order. Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar have struggled for form, creating instability in the opening partnership. Although Tanzid Hasan has shown potential, his limited experience makes the opening pair vulnerable.

While Taskin Ahmed spearheads the pace attack, there needs to be more depth in the fast-bowling department. The squad lacks a proven fast bowler who can consistently deliver in the death overs, which could be problematic against stronger batting lineups.

Bangladesh’s fielding has been a persistent issue, with dropped catches and misfields often costing them crucial runs. Improving fielding standards will be essential to complement their bowling efforts and maintain pressure on the opposition.

Opportunities

The T20 World Cup 2024, being hosted in the USA and the Caribbean, offers Bangladesh a unique opportunity to showcase its talent on a global stage. This exposure can boost the players’ confidence and attract international attention to their cricketing prowess.

Often underestimated, Bangladesh can leverage the underdog advantage. Playing without the heavy burden of expectations allows them to perform more freely and pull off upsets against more favored teams.

Playing in diverse conditions across different USA and Caribbean venues can help Bangladesh adapt and strategize effectively. This adaptability will benefit them not only in this tournament but also in future international tours.

Threats

Bangladesh faces tough competition from teams with stronger T20 reputations. The psychological and on-field challenges these stronger opponents pose could be intimidating and impact their performance.

Injuries to key players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman have previously hampered Bangladesh’s campaigns. Ensuring these players remain fit and available throughout the tournament will be crucial for the team’s success.

Weather interruptions, such as the cancellation of warm-up matches, can disrupt the team’s momentum and strategy. Unpredictable weather conditions in the Caribbean could pose a threat to their campaign.

Bangladesh squad for T20 World Cup

Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Taskin Ahmed (vice-capt), Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan
Traveling reserves: Hasan Mahmud, Afif Hossain

Cricket enthusiasts witnessed history unfold as the USA cricket team secured a stunning victory against Bangladesh in the first game of the T20 series. In a match filled with twists and turns, USA emerged victorious by 5 wickets, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.

The Game-Changing Partnership

The game saw remarkable performances from Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh, who orchestrated a record-breaking sixth-wicket partnership, scoring 62 runs collectively. Their resilience under pressure turned the tide in USA’s favor, defying expectations and clinching victory from the jaws of defeat.

See Also: Shreyas Iyer takes KKR to IPL 2024 final; Fans can’t stop praising

Bangladesh’s Performance

Despite putting up a competitive fight, Bangladesh faltered in crucial moments, leading to a slightly tepid performance. USA’s disciplined bowling and strategic captaincy decisions added to Bangladesh’s woes, ultimately limiting them to 153 runs.

USA’s Bowling Display

This victory holds immense importance for USA cricket, signaling their growing prowess on the international stage. This win injects much-needed confidence and momentum into the team as they prepare to co-host the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The global cricketing community has erupted in applause and admiration for the USA’s historic triumph, recognizing the significance of this moment for the sport’s growth in the country. With newfound momentum and support, USA cricket looks poised for a bright future, ready to make its mark on the global stage. They are reflecting on the significance of the USA’s victory, marking only their second win against a full ICC member nation. Earlier, they won against Ireland in 2021.

First Innings
Bangladesh Score – 153/6 in 20.0 overs
Bangladesh batting performance
Towhid Hridoy 58(47)
Mahmudullah 31(22)
Steven Taylor 3-9-2
Saurabh Netravalkar 4-27-1

Second Innings
USA Score – 156/5 in 19.3 overs
USA batting performance
Corey Anderson 34(25)
Harmeet Singh 33(13)
Mustafizur Rahman 4-41-2
Shoriful Islam 4-31-1

India and Bangladesh gear up for an exciting five-match T20I series in Sylhet, marking the beginning of their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Both teams will aim to fine-tune their combinations and gain momentum ahead of the marquee event.

Past Controversies and T20 World Cup Preparations

Controversies, with heated exchanges between players and umpires, marred the last encounter between these two sides in Bangladesh. However, as they prepare for the T20 World Cup, the focus shifts to on-field performances and strategic preparations for the upcoming series.

See Also: IPL 2024: Absolute madness from Jake Fraser-McGurk; Fans thrilled

Bangladesh recently faced a crushing 3-0 defeat at home against Australia, highlighting their batting struggles and the need for significant improvement in key areas.

India’s Loss to Australia and Players’ Form in the WPL

India’s last T20I series ended in a 2-1 defeat against Australia, where senior players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana had underwhelming performances. However, several Indian players showcased good form in the 2024 Women’s IPL (WPL), providing hope for a strong showing in the upcoming series.

Bangladesh’s batting lineup must be more consistent, as reflected in their recent scores against Australia. Captain Nigar Sultana has been a standout performer, but the team needs more contributions from other top-order batters.

Need for Improvement in Top Order

India’s top three had a disappointing series during their last tour to Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of improved performances this time around.

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana showed promising form in the WPL, boosting India’s batting lineup. However, the absence of Jemimah Rodrigues due to injury poses a challenge for India.

With notable performances in the WPL, India’s top order is better prepared for the challenges they will face in Sylhet. Leg-spinner S Asha and spin-bowling all-rounder S Sajana have earned maiden international call-ups after impressive performances in the WPL. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s return to the squad adds depth to India’s spin bowling options.

Balancing the Squad and XI Selection Challenges:

With the emergence of new talents, India faces selection dilemmas, particularly in accommodating the likes of Asha, Yadav, and Sajana in the playing XI. Sylhet’s pitch and weather conditions are expected to favor seamers initially, but spinners will play a crucial role as the match progresses. Both teams must adapt their strategies accordingly, considering the pitch conditions and weather forecast for the matches in Sylhet.

Bangladesh Cricket has made a significant move by bringing in former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as their new spin bowling coach ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Mushtaq is set to join the team during their upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe and will continue through the World Cup hosted in the West Indies and USA.

Mushtaq Ahmed’s Background

Mushtaq Ahmed, a name revered in cricket circles, boasts an illustrious playing career followed by a robust coaching resume that includes stints with England, West Indies, and Pakistan. His experience and success in nurturing top-class spinners are expected to be invaluable for the Bangladesh team.

See Also: “Dinesh Karthik is pushing for the World Cup team…”: RCB’s head coach

The Role of a Spin Bowling Coach

The spin bowling coach is pivotal in developing effective strategies and enhancing the skill set of the team’s spinners. Mushtaq’s role will primarily involve analyzing performance data, providing tactical guidance, and fine-tuning the bowlers’ techniques to exploit the playing conditions optimally.

“It is a great honour for me to be a part of the Bangladesh cricket team as a spin bowling coach. I am looking forward to the role and want to pass my experience to the players because they are very coach-able and I always believe that they are one of the most dangerous teams around. They can beat anyone because they have the capability, the resources and the talent. I will try to instill that belief into them. I am very excited at the opportunity to work with the team,” Mushtaq Ahmed said in a statement released by BCB.

Preparation for the T20 World Cup

The upcoming series against Zimbabwe serves as the perfect platform for Mushtaq to begin his tenure and set the groundwork for the World Cup. This series will be crucial for assessing the team’s current capabilities and identifying areas of improvement.

The pitch conditions in the West Indies and the USA tend to favor spin bowling. Mushtaq’s experience and knowledge of playing in similar conditions will be vital in preparing the spinners to exploit these conditions effectively.

Bangladesh cricket suffered a blow as pace bowler Ebadot Hossain has been ruled out from the upcoming T20 World Cup, dampening hopes of his return to international cricket after battling with injuries.

Ebadot Hossain’s Injury

Ebadot Hossain, known for his fiery pace and ability to trouble batters, faced a setback during Bangladesh’s home series against Afghanistan in July 2023. A collision with an umpire during bowling left him with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, putting his career on hold.

See Also: Venues confirmed for ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa

Confirmed Absence from T20 World Cup

Despite his aspirations to make a comeback for the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief physician, Debashish Chowdhury, confirmed Ebadot’s unavailability for the tournament. The news comes as a disappointment for both the players and fans alike.

Debashish said that there is no way for the right-arm pacer to make a comeback before the T20 World Cup. “No way (Ebadot can make a comeback before the World T20). We are not even thinking about it,” Debashish told Cricbuzz.

Ebadot’s Rehabilitation Efforts

Ebadot remained optimistic throughout his rehabilitation journey, expressing hope and determination to return to the field before the World Cup. However, despite his hard work and the support of the medical team, his recovery timeline doesn’t align with the global event.

Unfortunate Timeline of Injuries

Following his surgery, Ebadot faced a prolonged absence from competitive cricket. He missed several international series along with premier domestic tournaments like the Bangladesh Premier League and the ongoing Dhaka Premier League, further delaying his return to action.

“It does not go (his comeback) in that time frame (before the World Cup). It takes eight to 12 months but at least you need 10 months. He was operated in December, so it will be at least October when he can make a comeback. He can make a comeback a bit earlier but certainly not in the World T20,” Debashish said.

Expert Opinion on Ebadot’s Return

Debashish Chowdhury provided insights into Ebadot’s recovery timeline, stating that a comeback before the T20 World Cup is highly unlikely. Despite undergoing surgery in August of the previous year, the required recovery period would extend beyond the tournament dates.

Meanwhile, Debashish informed that they are hopeful that the injured duo of Soumya Sarkar and Taijul Islam are likely to be available before the home series against Zimbabwe.