Reverse Swing

Once again Bangladesh cricket team let their fans down. Not many were hoping of a home win but the kind of performance the Tigers put up was once again a big let down for a packed stadium. It proved an easy win for a much professional Pakistan side which led all of us to think that Bangladesh have a mental block against Pakistan. What else one can say when Bangladesh have not won in any format against Pakistan for 40 games!
Pakistan won a good toss and after four-five overs it looked like Pakistan will run away with an easy win. The kind of innings Ahmed Shehzad played was superb. He has the talent to go places but he needs to have a sensible shot selection. I hope, for Shehzad's good, he avoids playing an AB de Villiers shot. When runs were coming in normal shots there was no need to play AB-scoops. You can get out by exposing your stumps. AB must have practiced this shot for months and he covers his stumps before playing this peculiar shot. After Pakistan posted a big total on the board it was beyond Bangladesh's reach despite them getting off to a good start but again the hara-kiri put paid to their hopes.
After their dismal show in this World Twenty20 and in the preceding Asia Cup, Bangladesh need to answer a few questions. There is something wrong somewhere. I think if they do not heed on their first class structure then, I fear, they will struggle more in the next five years. The BCB will have to invest on good coaches, not for the national team but for the Under-19 teams and for the 'A' team. Once they produce good players at that level they will have proper replacements and players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Nasir Hossain will feel pressure. At the moment they feel they cannot be replaced. They get dropped but they come back after a match or two and once that culture is changed only then Bangladesh cricket will prosper.
I don't know whether Mushfiqur Rahim is the right man to lead Bangladesh team or not. The management will have to search for the answer. Shakib is more experienced but once he was changed I don't think one more change of the captain will turn things and the scenario. Changing the culture is more important.
The passion of the game is very much there and once the infrastructure improves, results will be better.
The writer is a former Pakistan cricket captain and one of the finest swing bowlers and currently a TV commentator and presenter