Bijoy deserves one more chance: Bashar

Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar has voiced support for under-fire opener Anamul Haque Bijoy, suggesting that the team management should give the struggling batter "one more chance" despite a poor showing in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The 32-year-old opener, often savvy on social media, failed to reach double digits in either innings, scoring 0 and four on a batting-friendly pitch where several of his teammates made significant contributions. The match eventually ended in a draw, but Bijoy's struggles stood out, especially given the expectations that followed his return to the national side on the back of strong domestic form.

"Bijoy came to the team by putting in performances, not because he is popular," Bashar told The Daily Star on Sunday. "He did well in first-class cricket last year. People are saying he was taken for his white-ball form, but his red-ball numbers were also excellent. He topped the list for Khulna division, which is why he was considered."

Despite years of domestic success, Bijoy has not managed to replicate his form in the international arena. Since returning to the national fold in April, his only notable contribution has been a nervy 39-run knock in a home Test against Zimbabwe. He also struggled during five matches for Bangladesh A against New Zealand A in May -- two four-day games and three 50-over contests -- going without a single half-century in that series.

"His domestic form hasn't translated to Tests," Bashar admitted. "But since we selected only two openers, he should be given one more chance. There were even talks about Shanto opening, which I strongly opposed."

More than the scores, it was the manner in which Bijoy went about his batting. Despite piling on the runs in the domestic circuit, his approach at the crease was intensely tentative, sparking questions about his inclusion ahead of the second and final Test in Colombo, starting Wednesday.

With Mehidy Hasan Miraz now available after recovering from fever, there has been speculations about making changes in the eleven, potentially dropping Bijoy, promoting Najmul Hossain Shanto to open, and slotting Miraz into the middle-order to strengthen both the batting and the spin attack.

However, Bangladesh have only two openers in the squad, including Bijoy, with the other being Shadman Islam. The lack of option may most likely come in clutch for Bijoy's favour in retaining his spot at the top of the order.