Depleted Bangladesh look for inspiration from reinforcements

After suffering yet another loss this year, still struggling to win a game, luck sprayed salt on the wounds of Bangladesh as Rahim and Raqibul got ruled out due to injuries, weakening the middle order.

It was almost like an extension of the England-Australia ODIs - Bangladesh opted to bat, got off to a terrific start, lost their way in the middle, reached a somewhat competitive score but England chased it down with ease. After a long time, the middle order fired for Bangladesh, but the lower middle order is still a worry with collapses happening frequently. Raqibul Hasan played a timely knock along with Zunaed Siddique but nothing after that. The bowling continues to have its woes with Mortaza and Shafiul not able to create any problems but the real worry over the last year for the visitors has been their slow bowlers - Their strength - None apart from Shakib look even remotely close to picking up a wicket or trouble the batsmen though Faisal Hossain did well. Rahim’s injury will be another blow as he was the man in form in the lower middle order, capable of accelerating a great deal. Bangladesh have called in Ashraful and wicketkeeper Saghir Hossain while all-rounder Naeem Islam has been drafted in as well - But none of these are in good form.

No problem for the hosts on this matter. All three departments continue to do well and Ian Bell’s comeback has been a welcome one as Pietersen was not missed. However, James Tredwell was not that effective and Graeme Swann could have been more than a handful here. Kieswetter’s form at the top continues to trouble the selectors and the next two games could be the most important ones for him. England might go in for the same team for Saturday and look to seal the series and then, play the ones on the bench on Monday.

The top order of Bangladesh has been in tremendous form and the middle order did well on Thursday but out of form players drafted in the middle order and the lower middle order’s slump combined with lack of quality bowlers apart from Shakib point only in one direction - A series win for England in this game itself. However, Ashraful is always dangerous and if he manages to inspire the team in some way, the side might just spring up a step in their stride.