http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesig...php?nid=208091
Riyad may play second Test
Sports Reporter
Bangladesh vice-captain Mahmudullah Riyad has a bright chance to play the second and final Test against West Indies starting next Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The all-rounder had missed the T20, the three-match one-day series and the first Test at Chittagong due to fever but he recovered fully from illness and started training four days back.
“He (Riyad) will practice with the team tomorrow (Thursday). After reviewing everything we will take a decision about him. He is the vice-captain but unfortunately he missed the previous matches, but he will be definitely considered if he is fully fit,” said chief selector Akram Khan when asked about the all-rounder's chances of playing in the second Test.
He also did not rule out the chances of a couple of changes to the playing eleven from the team which played the first Test at Chittagong, despite the fact that the team showed character in the drawn game. Akram however was reluctant to elaborate.
It could have been a fantastic Test for the Tigers but the poor ground conditions spoiled the party in Chittagong. Still, the Tigers returned from the port city yesterday with smiles as they dismissed the Caribbean team for 61 in the third ODI and finished on top in the first Test.
Akram was confident that the boys will carry the momentum through to Dhaka, though it will not be an easy task for the Tigers to continue the impressive run in different conditions in Mirpur.
“I think the team morale is high after the impressive performance in Chittagong. We know the conditions will be different here in Dhaka but the way most of the batsmen batted in the Chittagong Test made us happy and confident that they can also accomplish something in the second Test,” said Akram.
The former national skipper also said that it will be great for the home team if they get a similar pitch as the one in Chittagong.
“Obviously we want to take full advantage of our home conditions, so it would be great if we get similar help from the pitch like we did in Chittagong,” he added.