BAN vs WI: Five players to watch out for in upcoming Test series

It is an absolute delight to see the first World Test Championship cycle completing its entire course especially at the time when the world is still combating the pandemic. Although the bio-bubble life is strenuous, we have seen players extensively touring nations and playing some vigorous cricket. Now with yet another Test series happening in the Sub-Continent, Bangladesh would be certainly looking to clean sweep the two-match Test series much like the ODIs against the Caribbeans. Although the series might not hold a significant context, especially in terms of the standings in the points table. But one can expect some impressive performances from a set of individuals. Hence here’s a list of five players to watch out for.

5. Shakib Al Hasan

While gruelling and grinding his return back into international cricket, Shakib not only made a commendable start by collectively fetching six wickets in the ODI series but also showed some sublime form with his bat. Being the no.1 ranked ODI all-rounder, one couldn’t have asked more from him and that’s the reason why he was awarded the player of the series. In the upcoming Test series, one can yet again expect him to deliver similar results as the no.4 ranked all-rounder will be playing his first Test since September 2019.

4. Jermaine Blackwood

Whoever has seen Jermaine Blackwood bat can earnestly say that he is an exuberant talent where West Indies can heavily invest on. In 2020, Blackwood did sparkle his class by playing two momentous knocks in the toughest of conditions. One in Southampton (95) where he zestfully yielded West Indies a scintillating win and the other being an excellent century at Hamilton. Now with yet another challenge of combating the Bangladeshi spin, one would surely be hoping for Blackwood to notch a plethora of runs in this series.

3. Tamim Iqbal

Being Bangladesh’s most experienced opener, one would surely expect Tamim to pile up a flurry of big scores in this series. Not only can he score big but also can give Bangladesh some quick starts especially when the likes of Roach and Shannon Gabriel are making the new ball talk. His form since the start of 2020 has been superlatively top-notch and was well evident in the recent ODI series. His overall record against the Windies has been tad reasonable (750 runs from 20 innings) so one would expect him to boost up his stats.

2. Kraigg Brathwaite

If West Indies do have to give themselves a chance to beat Bangladesh, then the skipper Kraigg Brathwaite has to score a plethora of runs. Being a classical Test match player carrying a realm of experience, one would expect Brathwaite to bat long and hold up one end. His record against Bangladesh has been pretty impressive as the opening batsman has amassed 668 runs in his 15 innings including an average of almost 48 with a double hundred (212) to his name. Apart from his batting, his leadership skills will also be tested in this series.

1. Mehidy Hasan

Just like his senior (Shakib Al Hasan), Mehidy did also command a four-wicket haul in the recent ODI series. Being one of Bangladesh’s finest prospects in terms of spin bowling, undeniably both Mehidy and Shakib will hunt in packs and can rub out the inferior Windies side in quick succession. His overall record against the visitors has been extraordinary as out of his seven appearances, Mehidy has taken 25 wickets including a formidable ten-wicket haul.