DHAKA: Bangladesh are desperate to end this year’s losing streak when they take on fellow wooden spooners Zimbabwe in a three-Test series starting in Dhaka on Saturday.

The hosts have not won a Test or one-day international this year, putting them under immense pressure in what should be a battle of equals against the African side.

Zimbabwe are at number nine in the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings, while Bangladesh are last at 10.

“We had plenty of chances this year, but we were unlucky to miss out,” Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim told reporters ahead of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

“We need a win badly and have worked hard towards it at practice. It is now time to apply ourselves.”

Bangladesh, who have lost two of their last three Tests played in Zimbabwe, hope to extract revenge on what should be helpful wickets for slow bowlers.

“Zimbabwe will be more worried because we have better spinners and we also play spin better,” said Rahim.

All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan bolsters Bangladesh after serving out a three-month ban for poor discipline.

Zimbabwe’s captain Brendan Taylor said he relished the challenge of playing Bangladesh.

“We have not played a Test out of Zimbabwe for 18 months, so this new series a big challenge for us,” Taylor said.

Squads:

BANGLADESH: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Shamsur Rahman, Mominul Haque, Rubel Hossain, Shuvagata Hom, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Shafiul Islam, Jubair Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Marshall Ayub, Al-Amin Hossain and Taijul Islam.

ZIMBABWE: Brendan Taylor (captain), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingi Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Malcolm Waller.

UMPIRES: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) and S. Ravi (IND)

TV UMPIRE: Billy Bowden (NZL)

MATCH REFEREE: Chris Broad (ENG).

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2014