England began the 2023 World Cup on the wrong note, losing their opening game against New Zealand by nine wickets. It turned out to be a nightmare of a match for the defending champions as New Zealand chased down the target of 283 in just under 37 overs. Just four days later, they are all geared up to take on a side which has the required depth in the spin department to not just trouble England but usurp them.
Bangladesh versus England has a little bit of history too. In 2011, Shafiul Islam and Mahmudullah powered the Asians to a famous win in Dhaka. Four years later in Australia, Mahmudullah was at it again as he composed a ton, while Rubel Hossain castled James Anderson, as Bangladesh once again charted a memorable win. It is a victory that would be echoed for generations by cricket fans across the length and breadth of Bangladesh. However, in 2019, the Eoin Morgan-led side thumped Bangladesh in a one-sided contest.
So, what to expect from the latest instalment of the contest between these two sides in a 50-over World Cup? To begin with, England’s think-tank would be looking towards the mainstays in the batting unit — Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Hary Brook and Dawid Malan — to find their groove.
On a slightly positive note, Joe Root found his form in the World Cup opener versus New Zealand, scoring 77, although he would be disappointed that he didn’t convert it into a hundred. Liam Livingstone, too, would be itching to make a mark. Incidentally, Livingstone hasn’t yet matched his burgeoning potential with runs in major tournaments.
The major worry for England is in bowling. Granted that there was dew in the second half of the match against New Zealand, and the ball skidded on nicely, but England bowled both sides of the wicket. Mark Wood, the pace spearhead, in particular, couldn’t locate the right line and length. Perhaps England can look to bring in Reece Topley to strengthen the bowling line-up.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh have already got acquainted with the conditions in Dharamsala. Their opening game against Afghanistan was played on a surface that had uneven bounce, with the spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan running through the opponent. With Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman in their ranks, Bangladesh also have good enough pace bowling stocks.
On the other hand, Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib will have to shoulder the batting. Bangladesh would also trust the young Towhid Hridoy to return to form after a few failures.
Time and Venue Details
October 10, 10.30 AM IST. HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Expected conditions
Most of the talk surrounding the game has been related to the poor outfield. Jos Buttler even went on to say in the presser, “I think any time you’re talking about being careful diving or sort of being careful when you’re fielding, it sort of goes against everything you want to be as a team.” The pitch for the first game had variable bounce. Generally, the track here has offered true pace and bounce.
Possible XIs
England: Ben Stokes has been ruled out for a second straight game with a hip problem. Reece Topley’s ability to extract bounce and swing with the new ball could get him a game. The tall bowler also has enough weapons for the slog overs.
Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c/wk), Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley.
Bangladesh: They might go in with the same side that beat Afghanistan. Mahmdullah, England’s bugbear in World Cups, could edge out Mahedi Hasan.
Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahmudullah, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Match-up
Brook versus Bangladesh’s spinners: The right-handed batter has a wide range of shots. However, in Indian conditions, he perhaps needs to play a tad late in order to succeed versus the spinners.
Team Speak
We didn’t expect such a wicket in Dharamsala, but we found there was turn in our first two or three overs. The ball stopped a bit.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)