It is time for Pakistan and Bangladesh to don on the whites of Test as cricket's oldest format takes centre stage after the Tigers defeated the men in green in coloured uniforms.
Pakistan were thrashed by Bangladesh in the three match ODI series along with the one-off T20 match. Pakistan have been poor so far in their tour of Bangladesh. They even lost their game against Bangladesh cricket board in the start of the tour.
But with the Test series looming large, they need to forget about their recent past and concentrate on the two match Test series, which starts on Tuesday at Sheikh Abu Nasir Stadium in Khulna.
On other occasions, Pakistan have always been tagged favourites for such series, but Bangladesh after having battered the men in green in the tour, might be a strong favourite to win the Test series as well.
Bangladesh players have looked in some great form throughout the competition and with star opener Tamim Iqbal showing glimpses of his past in the ODI series, the Pakistani team needs to take his wicket early, as he is capable of taking the attack to the opposition without fear.
Apart from Iqbal, they have players such as Mushfiqur Rahim and Imrul Kayes, who could make life miserable for Pakistan. These Bangladesh batsmen are a huge threat at home. Litton Kumar Das, Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Shahid are new faces in the 14-man squad for The Tigers.
"The newcomers are deserving of their spots through performances in domestic and international cricket," IBN Live quoted Faruque Ahmed, chairman of the national selectors, as saying. "Shahid is a strong lad capable of bowling long spells and he has been a consistent performer in first class games. Litton has scored heavily in the last couple of seasons while Soumya has started strongly in ODIs."
But, Pakistan under the leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq, alongside Younis Khan, are expected to put up a brave fight against the Tigers. Their recent performances in the ODI series showcased their team's lack of experience, but with Misbah's presence, other junior cricketers are expected to give it their all as well.
Former Pakistani cricketer Ramiz Raja feels Pakistan is going to be under pressure in the Test series.
"The pressure is on Pakistan... It's going to be difficult as things can't change dramatically as the coaching staff is the same; most of the players are same," Ramiz Raja told ESPNcricinfo.
"Pakistan have been hit by losses and injuries and it's going to be a real challenge."
Where to Watch Live
The first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled for 10am local time (9:30am IST, 9am PST, 5am BST, 12am ET) start with live TV coverage in India on Star Sports 1.
Pakistani viewers can watch the game live on PTV Sports and it can be followed online as well as on Geo Super.
Bangladesh viewers can watch the match on Gazi TV, while cricket fans in the US can watch it live on Willow TV.
People in Europe can watch it live on Super Sport.
