Bangladesh’s selectors rarely get an easy ride in Sri Lanka, and the second Test in Colombo is no different. With Mehidy Hasan Miraz expected to recover from the illness that ruled him out of Galle, the touring side must decide whether to bring their senior off-spinner straight back or stick with the man who replaced him so effectively.
Nayeem Hasan, also an off-spinner, delivered 5 for 121 in Sri Lanka’s first innings and chipped in with a frugal 1 for 29 in the second. Joint-leading wicket-taker in the match, he made a strong claim to keep his place. The complication, of course, is that left-armer Taijul Islam remains an automatic choice, so a like-for-like swap would still leave Bangladesh with two off-spinners and a solitary left-arm option.
Coach Phil Simmons understands the dilemma but refuses to commit publicly. “You assume that [Mehidy] will be in the team for the second match,” he said. “But at the same time, everyone else has to do their job and we can’t worry about Mehidy coming in.”
Simmons has not ruled out fielding three specialist spinners even though the SSC surface in Colombo can be friendlier to seam. Sri Lanka, in fact, are contemplating the opposite strategy, potentially loading up with three quicks.
“The first thing is that we will assess what the wicket looks like and the conditions, and then we decide which way we’re going to go – if it’s the three spinners,” he added. “Nayeem had a wonderful game up in Galle. To leave him now is a little difficult. But if a decision has to be made, people understand that it’s what is good for the team.”
Bangladesh dominated the final stages in Galle, finishing the fifth day as the side pushing hardest for victory. That effort, Simmons believes, has lifted confidence across the squad. “They players are really good. When you play good cricket, it helps to lift you. The players’ mental strength is there, and physically they are very good.”
With the World Test Championship points table still finely poised, Bangladesh know the margins are slim. Whether they opt for continuity or experience, the spotlight in Colombo will fall on the men tasked with turning the ball.
