Tigers perturbed

There seems to be no end to the bad news for Bangladesh. Already without their second-highest Test run-scorer in Shakib Al Hasan, they are highly likely to lose their chart-topper in Tamim Iqbal for the second Test against South Africa at the Mangaung Oval.

On top of that, if they were hoping that the early-season pitch in Bloemfontein will offer them the same generosity that the uncharacteristically dry and slow wicket in Potchefstroom did, yesterday foiled what little chance there was of that wish coming true. The dark clouds seemed to have followed the Bangladesh team from Potchefstroom to Bloemfontein, where they unloaded their burden during Bangladesh's practice session yesterday morning, thereby lending the pitch the moisture it needs to provide the home pacers with bounce and movement.

To top it all off, there has been trouble with their accommodation as well. Put up at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Bloemfontein, and not the higher quality Southern Sun Bloemfontein where the South Africans are staying and where previous Bangladesh teams have stayed, the Tigers reportedly had wi-fi troubles during the first night. That had reportedly perturbed the team, as well as the coach.

One wonders if that was the reason why the touring Bangladeshi media were not allowed to enter the indoor training facilities and watch the net sessions from the viewing area on the first floor. According to a South African journalist, that was not the norm when the home side practised – it is an unusual practice in cricket and is more common in football, where formations are closely guarded secrets. Maybe the tigers are working on something special; we will have to wait till tomorrow to find out.