SPORTS REPORTER

With Chattogram surface usually favouring batters and producing high-scoring affairs, the top-order not being in touch in the longer-version has been the primary cause for concern for Bangladesh ahead of the red-ball challenge against India beginning on Wednesday.

The Tigers approach the two-match Test series on the back of a 2-1 series victory in the ODIs against the visitors.

The opening slot has inexperienced Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who has a knack of coming up with runs when needed, but without the experienced Tamim Iqbal available for the first Test, it remains to be seen whether youngster Zakir Hasan’s form with the bat during the two four-day games against India pays dividends.

Other that the aforementioned duo, Anamul Haque Bijoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto are two other options for the opening slot.

“Tamim not being there is a big set-back for us since the top-order are not amongst the runs. It’s a big concern for us,” selector Habibul Bashar told The Daily Star yesterday.

“We took Zakir onboard since he scored a lot of runs in domestic matches and for the A team. We are treating him as an opener. But without Tamim, it will be a big test due to openers’ inexperience,” he said about Zakir’s chances.

It was learned that Tamim underwent a fitness test yesterday and, in two days’ time, it will be revealed whether the opener can return for the second Test in Dhaka.

Mominul Haque’s form has been the biggest worry for the Tigers in Test format. The number three batter has only reached double digits twice this year in 13 innings.

Averaging just over 13 in Tests this year, Mominul did not find runs bar the one fifty in the NCL recently. There are chances he may not make the playing eleven in Chattogram.

“Mominul is not amongst the runs. We consider him as our biggest name in Tests and him not scoring is a big worry. Can’t really say whether Mominul will be in the playing eleven. We will see for a day or two before a decision is made,” Bashar said.

Meanwhile, Mushfiqur Rahim turned up for an individual net session yesterday with spinner Taijul Islam at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The ardent middle-order star has two tons in his last three innings in the international circuit. His technique and perseverance will go a long way to tackling India’s spin prowess, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, and hence the Tigers will be hoping the veteran can rediscover form similar to when they played Sri Lanka at home.

Mushfiqur Rahim failed to make his presence felt in the three-match ODI series against India but the Tigers will hope that their batting stalwart would be able to prove that form is temporary but class is permanent in the two-match Test series, starting on December 14 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.