Tigers return to Dhaka

After a satisfying draw in the first Test at Khulna, the Tigers returned to Dhaka yesterday morning. The tour has now entered its last leg with the second and final Test set to begin on Wednesday in Mirpur and the hosts will hope they can maintain their clean sheet by preventing a defeat in Mirpur as well.

The way Mushfiqur Rahim's men fought back after allowing the visitors to take a sizeable lead in the first innings was commended from various quarters. However, with the second Test due to begin in two days time, there is barely any time for the Tigers to get comfortable.

Chief selector Faruque Ahmed however, following the great show from the Tigers in the first Test, is confident that Bangladesh can continue their good form.

"I think the best part about this team is that they are all young. Almost none of them have hit the 30-year mark and they are all doing well. They will only further improve with time," said Faruque. 

Players celebrate Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes's record stand with some cake in their dressing room at the SANS in Khulna on Saturday evening. Photos: Star

The squad for the second Test is unlikely to witness any changes. The national players will rest today and resume training tomorrow. While the Tigers did put up a good performance in the first Test, there are certain issues that they will have to deal with in the second. The first being Mushfiqur Rahim's ability to keep behind the wickets.

Mushfiqur had hurt his finger during the first Test and it is still unconfirmed whether he will keep in the second. If he plays solely as a batsman, then Liton Kumar will be expected to make his debut. In that case Soumya Sarkar may have to make way for the youngster.

The other issues that the team management will be pondering are with regards to their bowling attack. Whether they will continue with Mohammad Shahid or bring back Shahadat Hossain is an aspect that they may be thinking of. They also might think of giving leg-spinner Jubair Hossain a go.