Bangladesh v England, 1st Test - Bangladesh Player Ratings

After a hugely entertaining three-match ODI series, that saw England come out as the eventual 2-1 winners, but not without some spice and controversies, it was time for some Test match action.

While England were looking for another Test series whitewash to gain some vital confidence before the long Indian winters, Bangladesh looked to spring a surprise by humbling the mighty Englishman in alien conditions.

The visitors bolstered their squad with the return of Joe Root, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad and the Test Captain Alastair Cook for this series, while the homes side replied back by strengthening their spin department.

Here are the Bangladesh player ratings:

Tamim Iqbal: 7/10

The senior most batsman of Bangladeshi side, Tamim led from the front in the first innings, scoring a vital 78 at his home ground that helped his side reach close to England’s total. However, the Left-hander failed to shine in the second innings when his team needed him the most.

Imrul Kayes: 6/10

Got a good start in both the innings, but as has been the problem with Imrul Kayes, he failed to carry on and convert his starts into something big. Got a solid 43 in the second innings to lay the platform for the middle order in the tough run chase.

Mominul Haque: 4/10

A duck in the first innings followed by a decent partnership with Kayes in the second innings. However, Mominul contributed just 27 runs before falling to Gareth Batty’s spin trap. Not good enough from the no.3.

Mahmudullah Riyad: 4.5/10

Widely regarded as the best batsman in the Bangladeshi side, Mahmudullah had a vital partnership with Tamim Iqbal in the first innings but, just like Imrul Kayes, failed to convert his good starts into big scores.

Mushfiqur Rahim: 6/10

Some useful and vital contribution by the Wicket-Keeper batsman in both the innings in the middle order meant that the home side were always in the thick of things. However, the captain got out at the wrong time in the second innings after striking a gritty partnership with Sabbir Rahman.

Also read – Rangana Herath to lead Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe

Shakib Al Hasan: 8/10

7 Wickets in the match and some decent contribution in the middle order meant that Shakib Al Hasan played his all-round part pretty well, and was probably the most impactful player in his side. If only he could stay in the crease longer ala Ben Stokes, Bangladesh could have had an easy ride at Chittagong.

Sabbir Rahman: 7/10

Coming in at No. 7, Sabbir Rahman almost won the game for his side single-handedly but the free flowing stylish batsman ran out of partners in the end. Still, a brilliant performance from the youngster.

Shafiul Islam: 2/10

A mere two points in the player ratings, but it probably wasn’t entirely his fault. The pitch turning square from Day One meant that Islam only managed to bowl a partly 12 overs on a dead track and went wicketless in the entire game. Better luck next time!

Also read – Out of the 280 games I’ve played, I think for 200 of them I have batted down: MS Dhoni

Mehedi Hasan: 7/10

7 Wickets in the match for Mehedi Hasan, including a six-fer in the first innings means that the off-spinner had a pretty good game. However, a little bit of contribution in the lower order could have helped his teams cause further.

Taijul Islam: 5/10

4 Wickets in the game for Taijul Islam as the left arm orthodox  bowler made sure to make important breakthroughs at regular intervals and keep the Englishmen in check. However, not so good with the bat.

Kamrul Islam Rabbi: 3/10

A not so memorable debut for the Bangladeshi pacer as he managed to pick up a paltry one wicket, albeit a vital one of Jonny Bairstow in England’s second innings. A couple of ducks in the either innings capped off his struggle in the Test match.