Tigers draw a blank

But what about our boys? They seem to be caught in an unending cycle of poor performance, with the 'Test status' sticking around their neck like the proverbial dead albatross. The fans are left to wonder whether the task of proving themselves equal to the test status, they acquired too quickly, is exerting a pressure they seem hard-put to handle. One would have thought though that it should have boosted their morale to perform better.

The bowlers did reasonably well to restrict their stronger opponents, but the batting has been pathetic. Clearly, we cannot go far with this kind of batting which never clicks, not even when they have to chase a very modest total! Why can't the batsmen stay at the wicket and make runs as well? And why are they playing shots that are strictly prohibited in the book?

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The present structure of domestic cricket and the way we are trying to build the national team have a lot to do with the way we are faring. Domestic cricket is seen as the breeding ground of top class players all over the world. But for some inexplicable reasons we are moving towards shorter and shorter version of it. So, technique and concentration are the big casualties. Then the rush towards new blood has also been an indiscreet move with the youngsters, given a break a bit too early, finding top class cricket a trifle heavy going. Of course, new players have to be encouraged and patronised, but we are unlikely to produce many talented players when the game is confined to one institution like the BKSP. The solution lies in organising more and more cricket at the school and college level across the country.

The cricket bosses have more reasons to worry than any time before. The sales proceeds on the first day of the Chittagong Test were abysmally low. That could well mean that even crowd support, one of our strong points, is dwindling rapidly.