Pacers face another trial by fire

The one department in which Bangladesh have failed to find some sort of stability over the years, especially in the Test format, is the pace bowling department.

A lack of experience is cited as the reason that they have not been provided enough exposure but the team management's lack of belief in pacers is one of the biggest reasons the fast bowling unit has yet to flourish like those of other Test-playing nations.

Head coach Russell Domingo mentioned the need to emphasise pace bowling and create a good cricketing culture but that has not been reflected when forming playing elevens for Tests.

Bangladesh fielded just one specialist seamer in the playing eleven in their last two Tests at home against West Indies while there are other instances in the past when the team management did not even opt for even a single pacer in the line-up.

Expectations suddenly balloon whenever Bangladesh are scheduled to tour abroad, with the team management often pressing home the importance of the fast bowlers in the playing eleven. But it is a matter of fact that a lack of match experience from these relatively inexperienced pacers make the experience tougher for them despite the pace-friendly pitches and conditions, which they are more than often unable to utilise.

While Bangladesh pacer Abu Jayed has been the most successful and consistent pacer for the Tigers in the last one year. PHOTO: TWITTER/STAR FILE

The onus will once again be on the Bangladeshi pacers in the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, starting in Pallekele from today.

"Yes, our bowling attack will emphasise pacers. We will give priority to pacers in the playing eleven and I think there will be good competition among seamers during the Test series," Mominul said ahead of the first Test yesterday.

Selectors previously announced the 15-member squad for the first Test, including four seamers in the form of Abu Jayed, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and uncapped Shoriful Islam.

Jayed, Taskin and Ebadot have played a total of 21 Tests combined, with Jayed the only regular. Taskin and Ebadot have drifted in and out of the side, with the former playing his last Test in 2017.

Jayed has been the most impressive among the lot, showing the ability to trouble the batsman both with the new and old ball. The 27 year old has been the most successful and consistent pacer for the Tigers in the last one year with his ability to bowl longer spells makes Jayed a valuable aspect in the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka.

However though the Pallekele stadium in Kandy has favored the spinners in the previous few Test matches that were played at the venue and it will be interesting to see how the hosts prepare the surface this time around.

Sri Lankan seamer Suranga Lakmal picked up eleven wickets and was the man of the series on their recent two-match Test series in the West Indies which ended up in a draw.

Can the Bangladeshi seamers replicate something like Lakmal? Only time will tell!