Tigers’ spin dilemma in Mirpur

Published : 28 October 2026

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Updated : 28 October 2026, 08:26

Sports Reporter

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

**Bangladesh head into today’s crucial first Test against West Indies in Mirpur uncertain about the conditions they will encounter. Pace has been a strength for the Tigers in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, but the visitors also boast a formidable pace attack for the two-match series.**Statistics, however, suggest that relying heavily on spin against stronger opposition at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium has rarely paid off for Bangladesh.There has been speculation that the team management has requested a spin-friendly pitch in Mirpur. But after the venue recently produced more sporting surfaces, a shift towards a turning track would mean moving away from Bangladesh’s pace strength while exposing their batters to the challenges posed by Mirpur’s turners.Bangladesh have played nine Tests in Mirpur over the past five years, six of them against top opposition. Since December 2021, they have hosted Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan again at the venue. Their only win in those six matches came against Pakistan this year, while the other five ended in defeats.Bangladesh earned plaudits after that victory, particularly for the balance between pace and spin. Nahid Rana made the difference on the final day, with reverse swing from the old ball working in the Tigers’ favour.The pace attack had also developed well, aided by some assistance from the surface. The Mirpur pitch looked green in the days leading up to the match, but appeared more barren as the Test approached.“I still think they're going to probably shave down some grass [from the wicket] or have a little more preparation,” West Indies skipper Roston Chase said at Tuesday’s press conference.“Obviously, with the amount of grass, you would think that it may be more spin-friendly, but looking at it, it still looks a bit dry underneath. And it's Bangladesh. Bangladesh is really known for mainly spin, so we think that it will get some spin also,” he added.Exactly how much turn the surface will offer remains to be seen. However, Bangladesh’s recent record in Mirpur suggests that spin has often been a double-edged sword. Over the past five years, spinners have taken 80 wickets against Bangladesh at the venue, compared with 73 for pace bowlers.In 2021, Bangladesh lost to Pakistan by an innings and eight runs despite nearly two days being lost to rain. Off-spinner Sajid Khan claimed 12 wickets across the two innings, including eight for 42.A year later, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel combined to take nine wickets as India edged Bangladesh out on a surface that offered little assistance to the pacers.In 2023, New Zealand’s spin trio of Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips dominated their Bangladesh counterparts, taking 17 wickets between them in the Mirpur Test. The home side’s spin-heavy approach backfired badly.With Bangladesh still harbouring hopes of reaching the WTC final, their pace resources offer a strong alternative. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto indicated that the quicks were ready to deliver.“Our pacers are very clear about what conditions they will play in, and preparation-wise, they are all in a good position. That’s a positive, as I can pick them for any match,” Shanto said when asked about the pace attack.With West Indies also armed with a formidable pace unit, the surface could prove decisive. Whether Bangladesh stick to their strengths or put their faith in spin remains to be seen -- as does whether a turning track will work in their favour or backfire once again.