England v Bangladesh - Pre Series Thread

[Occasional Fan]

Bangladesh have announced their sixteen man touring party today. Three new caps included, Bashar retains the captaincy.

Report from Cricinfo here.

[DaveGillespie]

Looks a strong squad, relatively speaking. Two quality left armers, Shahadat Hossain is an excellent prospect and Mashrafe Mortaza already put the willies up England a couple of winters ago and has improved since then despite some injury. I would like to see the raw talent of Hossain included ahead of Tapash Baisya. Rafique and Enamul Haque Jr should get some help in early season conditions as well, so the bowling should be quite strong. Batting wise however, I expect a shambles.

[Trescothick]

I might put down a couple of bets on this series.. When exactly does it start and how many tests in it?

[Occasional Fan]

First test: Lord's, 26/5; Second test: Chester-le-Street, 3/6 (yes, that's a Friday start).

[Occasional Fan]

Dav Whatmore, admitting that the tour will be hard work for Bangladesh, thinks it's not going to be a walkover for England.

Report from Cricinfo here.

[Victor Frankenstein]

I don't think it will be a walkover, bangladesh are an improved side and we didn't exactly sweep them aside last time. I still think we'll win both games (unless rain intervenes) but both games should last at least until late on the third day or mid day on the 4th.

[Occasional Fan]

I hope you're right, VF. Walkovers are no good for players, supporters or the game in general. I hope Bangladesh put up something of a fight. Can't wait to be able to hear some test cricket again!

[Maranello]

OF you are right, walkovers are no good for the game; however VF said that games will finish on the third or fourth day, and that surely is a walkover? I agree that few games would last into the fourht day, unless England bat big. Bangladesh will find it very hard to bat in the early summer English conditions; their batting, brittle at the best of times, is just not used to these conditions. The only way they can put up a decent fight is by staying at the wicket, and I don't see them doing that unless England bowl as badly as they did in SA, in patches. A shame really, since this Bangla side has more potential, and is better than that.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

I hope you're right, VF. Walkovers are no good for players, supporters or the game in general. I hope Bangladesh put up something of a fight. Can't wait to be able to hear some test cricket again!

Yes I think the series will be interesting, and yes I will be glad to see some test cricket, and it will be good to be posting real cricket threads again, as far as England is concerned, I know I have been critican in the past of Test cricket sceds, but it seems an age sinse South Africa.
Banglades have improved of late, how much we will find out soonish, but I hope they put up a good fight, I am interested in seeing their spinners, and only being Bangladesh or not, this will give clues as to how England play spin bowling, with Warne in mind.

[Pete]

Well, I guess i'm the only Englsh person here that thinks this, but, I hope we cane them. It's hardly going to instill confidence into our players if they struggle against Bangladesh, especially with them being outside the sub-continent.