Harsha Bhogle Praises Bangladesh's Formidable Test Line-Up

In international cricket, where teams rise and fall in the echelons of the sport, Bangladesh has quietly been building a Test team that has caught the eye of one of cricket’s most respected analysts, Harsha Bhogle. Harsha Bhogle, known for his insightful commentary and analysis, recently dubbed Bangladesh’s current 16-man squad for the upcoming Test series against India as the best he’s seen from the country in a very long time.

This statement from Harsha Bhogle isn’t just praise; it’s a reflection of the hard work, strategic planning, and emerging talent within the Bangladesh cricket setup. The team, set to face India in a two-Test series starting September 19 in Chennai, represents a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, which could pose a significant challenge to even a formidable side like India.

“I genuinely believe this is the best Test team I have seen from them [Bangladesh] for a very, very long time,” Bhogle said

“No. 1 they’ve got pace. Nahid Rana is one of the most exciting bowlers to have emerged out of Bangladesh in recent times. Every time you see genuine pace, there’s something about it, you go wow. We saw him getting a lot of good Pakistan batters hopping.

“Hasan Mahmud picked up wickets there and this is another opportunity. I wish not, but maybe a last opportunity for Taskin [Ahmed] to come here and show everyone why so many of us rated him highly.

“They’ve got three genuine quicks but the reason I rate them even higher is because if you look at that top eight, they’ve got two people who can keep wickets there, both of whom good enough to play purely as batters in this lineup and two accomplished spin bowling allrounders. Shakib [Al Hasan], of course, and increasingly every time you see him he looks better, I’m talking about Mehedi Miraz.

“If you look at their 5, 6, 7, 8, Mushfiqur, Shakib, Liton Das and Miraz, they all are batting one number below where they can and that’s that’s a general test you do when you look at a batting lineup, are players batting higher than they should or are players batting lower than they can. In this Bangladesh lineup, they’re all batting lower than they can, which is a very good indicator of batting depth and batting strength.”

“I get the feeling watching them that both Liton and Mehedi Miraz are ready now to step into much bigger boots. I don’t know how much longer Shakib is going to play. I get the feeling he’s far far closer to the end than he is to the start.

“I think he’s coming to the end, I would suspect so is Mushfiqur [Rahim] though he is batting as well as ever and he’s a spunky player. But should the two of them move on, I think in Liton and Mehedi they have the right replacements.”

“So don’t be surprised if there is a baptism by fire and pace if India unleash Bumrah and Siraj and maybe Akashdeep who’s got that extra pace or maybe the left hander in Yash Dayal. But there will be a lot of pace coming Bangladesh’s way and that will be their test.

“India start favorites, I would go so far as to say India start overwhelming favorites. But I’d like to see a little bit of fight from Bangladesh. If they can provide that fight, it’ll make for a good two-Test series.”

The core of this team’s strength lies in its batting lineup. Bhogle’s emphasis on the top four scoring runs indicates a shift in Bangladesh’s approach. Historically, Bangladesh’s batting has been inconsistent, often crumbling under pressure. However, recent performances suggest a more robust and resilient batting order. Players like Tamim Iqbal, if he plays, Mominul Haque, and the emerging talents like Najmul Hossain Shanto have shown glimpses of what could be a formidable top order. Their ability to score runs against quality bowling attacks in varied conditions is crucial, especially on pitches that might not offer the spin-friendly conditions they’re accustomed to at home.

The bowling attack, too, has seen commendable developments. While Bangladesh has always had spinners who could trouble batsmen, their pace bowling has been an area of improvement. The inclusion of players like Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, who have shown they can swing the ball and maintain pace, adds a new dimension. This balance between pace and spin could be pivotal, especially in conditions where the ball might swing or seam, challenging even the best of batting lineups.

Bhogle’s comment also highlights a broader narrative in cricket – the evolution of teams traditionally considered underdogs. Bangladesh’s journey from being a side that struggled to win matches to one that can now be termed as competitive, if not threatening, in the Test arena, is a testament to the growth of cricket globally. This growth isn’t just in terms of skill but also in strategy, fitness, and mental toughness.

The upcoming series against India will be a litmus test for this Bangladeshi side. India, with its rich cricketing history and current form, provides the perfect opposition to gauge where Bangladesh stands. The series could be a turning point, not just for Bangladesh but for how the cricketing world perceives them. If they manage to compete toe-to-toe or even pull off an upset, it would not only validate Bhogle’s assessment but also signal a shift in the dynamics of Test cricket.

Moreover, Bhogle’s analysis often looks beyond the immediate game. His recognition of Bangladesh’s team as their best in a long time could inspire a generation of cricketers in Bangladesh. It’s not just about the current series but about setting a benchmark for future teams. This acknowledgment might encourage more young talents to take up cricket seriously, aiming to not just participate but to dominate.

Endorsement by Harsha Bhogle of Bangladesh’s Test team as their best in years is more than just an opinion; it’s an indicator of changing tides in cricket. Bangladesh, with its blend of experience, emerging talent, and strategic gameplay, is ready to challenge the established norms. The cricketing world watches with bated breath, not just for the outcome of the series, but for the potential it holds for the future of Test cricket from Bangladesh. This series might well be remembered as the one where Bangladesh truly announced their arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the longest format of the game.

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