Beyond the boundary - Silence of the Lambs (28 May 1999)

28 May 1999

Beyond the boundary - Silence of the Lambs

By Shakil Kasem

It would take the rest of this century for Scotland to recover from its shock defeat against Bangladesh. The long term implications of this historic (Bangladesh version) slip betwixt the cup and the lip, was there for the world to see. Against the West Indies, Scotland were given the message, loud and clear. Their scotch and the bagpipers are indeed more impressive than their weekend cricketers. The West Indians, who are themselves on a rehab programme, acquitted themselves impeccably. They simply blew the Scots away.

That left Bangladesh to cope with Australian angst. Australia may be struggling in this competition, but there is still enough gumption left in the side to win the toss and ask the opposition to bat first on a very firm, full-of-runs batting track. The fact that the opposition happened to be Bangladesh may have had something to do with this rather inexplicable decision. It was of no real consequence, as it turned out to be.

After Bangladesh's adrenaline filled win against Scotland, the Australian encounter was really a cross between post-coital depression and the marathon runner's withdrawal symptoms. Bangladesh, true to form, started disastrously. Another new opening pair presented all and sundry with the same output, a wicket within the first five overs. After the national objective (almost by decree) of a victory over Scotland was achieved, one might question what was the purpose of sending Khaled Mahmud as opening batsman. Why did we not opt for Shahriar Hossain, providing him with the valuable experience of tackling the best bowling in the world? The future of our batting lies with Mehrab and a decent opening partner. What better opportunity than the rest of the competition to be used as a testing ground to prepare ourselves for what lies beyond the World Cup?

At five foot one, Mahmud is the smallest player in the competition. Because of the lack of his reach he could neither come forward nor play the rising deliveries on the back foot. Predictably, he departed early. One is amazed that the think tank missed such an obvious point. It is true, size does matter. Mehrab Hossain who has so far shown himself to be the only batsman in the team worth writing home about, is a confused man. He has a very organised defence and can attack when he needs to. Because of the lack of support from the rest of the early order, he is unable to play his natural game. He is having to consolidate for the team's survival rather than being able to attack in the first fifteen overs, which is his forte really.

The senior partners of the firm went on early vacation once again, leaving the rest in the lurch. With Mehrab caught in the no-man's land of attack and defence and perishing in the process, Bangladesh faced another imminent disaster. Abedin it was again, to no one's surprise, who actually had to conduct repairs. The fact that Bangladesh managed to stay alive at the end of fifty overs and post 170 plus on the boards, are in no small measure due to Abedin's steadfastness and ready understanding of the actual strengths of his team, The Management's version of it notwithstanding. He struck his second unbeaten fifty and whether he realises it or not has opened the Pandora's box for more speculation regarding his future in the game. It would be an interesting few weeks after the team gets home.

The Bangladeshi bowling in the meantime had to face its first stern test of its World Cup campaign. Until now the bowlers were helped paradoxically by the low scores of the team itself. Under overcast conditions, against batting sides not willing to take undue risks, because the target was so insubstantial, the bowlers were perhaps painted in more flattering colours than was warranted. On a batsman friendly wicket, in good batting conditions, the bowling was exposed to the hilt. True, Australia had a target in hand and felt the urgency of getting the match over as early as possible for obvious reasons. Bangladesh may just be thankful that the bowlers were made to realise that we have few more arduous miles of trekking to do before we are taken seriously.

It is unfortunate that the team is under unnecessary pressure. As cricketers they certainly realise and appreciate their standing in the world community of cricket. The nation on the other hand is of the opinion that they are the emerging tigers of world cricket. The management, instead of exercising reason and restraint with regard to these laissez faire expectations, for reasons unknown is toeing the popular line. Under pressure, misguided and deluding themselves of their actual standings in the game, our players are more than likely to fall short of what they were capable of achieving under normal circumstances. That is worrying. We forget but hardly forgive. Beware.

Source :: The Daily Star