Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in a World Test Championship series that starts in Sylhet on Friday. James Richardson previews the opening Test.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – First Test
22 – 26 March 2024
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
The Tigers edged the ODI series and will take some momentum into the most significant portion of their bilateral engagements with Sri Lanka.
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host a Test match for just the third time. Bangladesh lost the first Test at the venue to Zimbabwe but got the better of New Zealand at the ground last November.
To Win Match
Bangladesh 15/10 | Draw 11/2 | Sri Lanka 19/20
Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the batting hero on the last visit to Sylhet when Bangladesh saw off the Black Caps after he held the first innings together and he will be key if his team have to bat first at a venue that offers early aid to seamers.
Najmul Hossain Shanto also chipped in for the Test win over New Zealand and he brings good form into the series having been the standout in the ODIs.
Zakir Hasan needs to improve his runs return if he is to eventually assume the wicketkeeping duties from Mushfiqur Rahim.
Taijul Islam is Bangladesh’s most valuable bowler on home soil and will be the one to watch in this series.
Sri Lanka might be able to get the jump on Bangladesh by bowling first and attacking with seam early.
It could help Sri Lanka that Angelo Mathews can now bowl again although it will be the likes of Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha who could make an impact on the first morning if they have the ball in hand.
Prabath Jayasuriya offers the closest analogue of Taijul Islam for the Sri Lanka attack with his left-arm spin and he will also be an important figure in this Test match.
Dananjaya De Silva’s captaincy isn’t on terribly stable ground and he could really use a good series to boost his CV right now.
Verdict: Bangladesh 15/10
At home and at an unusual venue, Bangladesh will be tough to beat.
