Battle of the lightweights

Yes, there is actually a test series about to begin. No, it may not be up to the calibre of the Ashes or the no.1 ranked South Africans, but it will be an intriguing contest. I'm of course talking about the Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe. Despite the majority of the cricket world being absorbed by the IPL, these two nations have a lot to play for. For the traditionalists out there (me included), it is still test cricket, and any matches that we can get in this age of schedules filled with T20, is wonderful.

There is definitely pride at stake in this short two test match series (As an aside, I really it was 3 matches, but with Zimbabwe Cricket in financial ruin, I guess I can understand). Since Zimbabwe's re-introduction into test cricket in 2011, their only win has come against the tigers. Bangladesh were beaten comprehensively on that tour also losing the ODI series to the home side. This time Bangladesh will be out for revenge and wanting to prove to the cricket world that they are the better side and should not be pigeonholed as a "minnow" with Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe have just come back from West Indies where they were thoroughly outplayed in the test series, losing it 0-2. That was their first test l cricket assignment though in over 12 months, so their performance can be forgiven somewhat. However now that they blown some of the cobwebs out, they really need to play well in these two matches. If Zimbabwe are going to get a test match win in the near future, this is undoubtedly their best opportunity.

Bangladesh meanwhile have played well of late, as they managed to draw a test in the series against Sri Lanka. Impressive showings from their batsmen especially, will mean they will have high hopes from this tour. Bangladesh cannot simply afford to lose (or even draw this series). They have started to take some encouraging steps in the last six months, and they need to stamp their authority on Zimbabwe. They need to show the world that they are a much better side than the African nation.

Even talking about the rankings seems pointless for these two sides as Bangladesh are stuck on the bottom of the table with only 1 point, while Zimbabwe are unranked having played an insufficient number of matches. I'm not sure on how many more games they require to play in order to be ranked, but currently on points they would be ahead of Bangladesh (solely due to their win in 2011).

Squads:
Zimbabwe (1st test): B.Taylor (c), E.Chigumbura, G.Cremer, K.Jarvis, T.Maruma, H.Masakadza, S.Masakadza, R.Mutumbami, K.Meth, V.Sibanda, M.Waller 

Bangladesh: M.Rahim (c), E.Haque jnr, J.Islam, Mahmudullah, M.Ashraful, M.Haque, N.Hossain, R.Islam, R.Hossain, S.Islam, S.Hossain, S.Nafees, S. Al Hasan, S.Gazi, T.Iqbal

Zimbabwe have had plenty of issues with their squad with a dispute over winter contracts which left batsman Craig Ervine choosing to play club cricket in England instead. Bangladesh welcome back Shakib al Hasan, although he will only bat in the first test, while Tamim is not likely to be fit until the second test.

Fixtures:
1st Test: 17-21st April
2nd Test: 25th-29th April
*Both matches are being played at Harare Sports Club.

I am hoping for a closely fought series, although the home advantage will definitely help Zimbabwe. Nonetheless with Bangladesh's impressive recent form and their experience over their rivals, I am predicting a 2-0 series win for them.