The recent Test match between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Mirpur once again highlighted the contrasting cricketing cultures as the two captains gave their views on the pitch. Despite winning the match, New Zealand’s captain, Tim Southee, strongly criticized the poor playing surface at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. In contrast, Bangladesh’s captain supported the pitch.
It’s uncommon for a winning captain to label the pitch as bad, especially when it led to a series-leveling victory. However, Mirpur has a reputation for producing challenging conditions. The match concluded in just 178.1 overs, making it the seventh-lowest for a Test where at least 36 wickets fell. The second day was entirely washed out by rain.
Southee, with experience in 96 Tests since 2008, expressed his dissatisfaction with the pitch, calling it “probably the worst wicket I’ve come across in my career.” He highlighted the imbalance favoring bowlers and emphasized the challenges faced by batsmen.
In the Test, Southee and Kyle Jamieson, New Zealand’s two pacers, bowled just 15.2 overs, claiming two wickets. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s lone pacer, Shoriful Islam, bowled nine overs, securing three wickets.
Just a “scrappy” Test match: Southee pointed out after unimpressed experience in Mirpur
Describing the pitch as “scrappy,” Southee acknowledged the difficulty in scoring runs. He praised Glenn Phillips, who adapted well to the challenging conditions and played a crucial role in New Zealand’s success. Phillips, known for his white-ball cricket expertise, contributed with both bat and ball, showcasing a positive mindset on a tricky wicket.
“There are a number of ways I could describe that wicket. I think for the match to be all over in [around] 170 overs is a fair reflection on the wicket. I think [it’s] just a scrappy Test match.
“Obviously, a tough wicket. Runs were hard to come by. And just those little moments and partnerships throughout were crucial. Whereas in other matches, I guess when conditions are a little bit more even between bat and ball, they don’t get noticed as much,” Southee pointed out.
In summary, Southee’s criticism of the Mirpur pitch, despite New Zealand’s victory, highlighted the challenging conditions and the contrasting perspectives on the playing surface.
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