Match Thread - Zimbawe v Bangladesh 1st Test

[Kriterion_BD]

I don't think we'll be touring Zimbabwe ever again! Playing no Tests is better than farcical performances like these.

Test matches are the real test and I am proud of the fact of our test record against Bangladesh. That is a good excuse. Remember both of Bangladesh's captain in the last two visits had to sacrifice their captaincy. It looks like Mussy might face the same music if we hammer them 2-0

I don't think he will lose the captaincy...but you never know.

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

I don't think we'll be touring Zimbabwe ever again! Playing no Tests is better than farcical performances like these.

Test matches are the real test and I am proud of the fact of our test record against Bangladesh. That is a good excuse. Remember both of Bangladesh's captain in the last two visits had to sacrifice their captaincy. It looks like Mussy might face the same music if we hammer them 2-0

I don't think he will lose the captaincy...but you never know.

he shouldn't but you very well know how things go in our (SUBCONTINENT) set up

[foreignfield]

There are a couple of things I'm still in the dark about. Maybe someone can shed a light on them.

- Tour match: Did Bangladesh really decline a warm-up match (if yes: big mistake since they have only been playing on the subcontinent recently), or was ZC's offer unacceptable (something like 2 days, 13-a-side, in Masvingo, three days before the first Test)?

- Schedule: How does that happen? Have we ever hosted a 2 match series exclusively at Harare? I remember when the schedule came out nobody would believe it. Now, I guess the boards have to agree on this. But how would the BCB agree to two Tests at HSC? Do they really believe the ODIs and T20s are more important and hope to cash in at Queen's, a ground where they have been much more succesful over the years?

[eugene]

Playing two tests in Harare is a great idea. QSC is cursed as far as Zimbabwe goes, we have won once in 19 tests played there - 2001 v Bangladesh.

[Kriterion_BD]

There are a couple of things I'm still in the dark about. Maybe someone can shed a light on them.

- Tour match: Did Bangladesh really decline a warm-up match (if yes: big mistake since they have only been playing on the subcontinent recently), or was ZC's offer unacceptable (something like 2 days, 13-a-side, in Masvingo, three days before the first Test)?

- Schedule: How does that happen? Have we ever hosted a 2 match series exclusively at Harare? I remember when the schedule came out nobody would believe it. Now, I guess the boards have to agree on this. But how would the BCB agree to two Tests at HSC? Do they really believe the ODIs and T20s are more important and hope to cash in at Queen's, a ground where they have been much more succesful over the years?

1) Bangladesh dailies reported that ZC intentionally refused to offer warm ups in order to catch us under prepared. However, Mushfiq's press conference at the Dhaka airport stated the BCB declined warm ups citing poor "facilities" (whatever that refers to) and it being a "waste of time" and that they'd rather practice on their own in Harare. This information sheds doubt on whether the accomodations are really that bad or not. Holiday Inn is a internationally renowned brand.

2) Apparently the BCB agreed, because I'm also of the understanding that any changes to an itinerary must be agreed upon by both boards. Unless the initial itinerary with limited overs matches first, Tests last was unofficial. That being said, the BCB aren't the most professional organization out there and it wouldn't surprise me if they just smiled and nodded.

[Kriterion_BD]

he shouldn't but you very well know how things go in our (SUBCONTINENT) set up

Well there are or were allegations that Shakib and Tamim were elitists who alienated the rest of the team. While they had some success (NZ series win) they had a string of failures from the world cup up to the last ZIM tour in 2011. Mushfiq's regime in contrast is far more liked, and he has gotten his share of good results (Asia Cup, WI series win, SL series draw, SL Test draw).

However, his strategic thinking is definitely shallow compared to Shakib's. In the flat subcontinent tracks and home pitches we expect to concede 600-5 dec ever game, so his field settings don't come under as much scrutiny. But against ZIM on a lively track his inability to even use 3 bat-pads for a tailender new to crease was glaring. In essence he is using an ODI mentality to try to win Test matches.

[Jemisi]

Before everyone gets carried away with Cremer's knock let us remember a couple of facts.

The top order are there to score runs. They do not. They are not up to it. Quite frankly Matsi would be better opening than that waste of space Maruma.

Cremer is there for his bowling which was, on spinning wickets in the Caribbean, verging on the inept.

Bear this in mind.

Matsi would struggle to do worse than Maruma. I can agree with you on that.

[Yorker]

How far true is this? Quite a number of allegations being levelled against ZC.

http://www.banglacricket.com/alochona/s ... ost1689274

ZIM is trying anything to be competitive at their
backyard...at any cost...now implanting secret
matter overnight to change the pitch. It's a finely
formulated and researched clay granule that
helps to boost uneven bounce and swing and it
dissipates over time leaving no trace of it.
That 'secret matter' was spread on the pitch
resulting an ok batting friendly pitch turn into
such a death trap overnight. The secret matter
eased as the day progressed that benefited the
later ZIM batsmen.
No reason to blame our quality BD batsmen or,
our honorable, respected and beloved selector
panel.

EDIT: Or it could just pass as sarcasm

[Jemisi]

ZC having access to match turning secret weapons of mass destruction?

[zimfan1]

Giving up a day in the sun to watch Zimbabwe Bangladesh on a dodgy stream inside on my laptop whilst the girlfriend tuts disaprovingly from the kitchen.

Us Zimbo's are mad arent we