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| December 25, 2001 | Tuesday | Shawwal 9, 1422 |
Bangladesh set to omit Sharif
WELLINGTON, Dec 24: Sixteen-year-old medium-pace bowler Mohammad Sharif is likely to be omitted in the only change to Bangladesh’s team for the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington starting Wednesday.
Bangladesh lost last week’s first Test in Hamilton by an innings and 52 runs after being forced to follow-on. Although Sharif picked up three for 114 in New Zealand’s innings, coach Trevor Chappell said Monday he was likely to be discarded.
Just who Bangladesh will promote is uncertain, although Chappell said it would not be left-arm spinner Enamul Hoque. The team is not expected to be announced until the morning of the Test.
Asked how he would lift the team following their heavy defeat in Hamilton, Chappell said it was not a difficult task.
“In terms of Bangladesh cricket the result wasn’t too bad,” said the Australian. “In terms of international cricket, of course, it wasn’t too hot.
“They don’t seem to get down about a result like that, perhaps because they are used to them, and I don’t know whether that’s good or bad. It’s not like Australia or New Zealand who would rant and rave and brood over a poor result,” said Chappell.
“I suppose it’s good at this stage. They are prepared to jump back in the ring and get whacked in the head again.”
New Zealand have made two changes to their side.
Matthew Horne will come in for batsman Nathan Astle who has a hairline fracture on a knuckle and will be in plaster for the next 10 days.
Seamer Chris Drum also replaces Chris Martin after being 12th man in the first Test.
Coach Denis Aberhart said with the wind in Wellington being a notorious adversary, Drum had been picked to bowl into whatever breeze there was.
“He also deserved a chance after taking 10 wickets against Bangladesh in the tour game,” Aberhart said.
Drum has played only one Test, the draw against Pakistan in Christchurch last March. He dislocated his shoulder after falling heavily while fielding on the third day and could not add to the one wicket he had already taken.—Reuters
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