Fledgling steps

We've heard about the great (and inconsistent) exploits of the first generations of Indian cricket, from the bowling of Md. Nissar and Amar Singh, the first centuries home and away of the Lala and the recently departed Mushtaq Ali, and then the all-round deeds of Vinoo Mankad. But not until recently did we have a chance to sense what all that must have been like. That has come while watching the little triumphs of the Bangladeshis.

It must be exhilarating when everyone suddenly wakes up to your existence while hitherto dismissing you as nothing more than a optional side-dish. To hail one of your batsman as being exceptionally talented and entertaining too. To expect more and follow their progress with optimism.

Not to say that everyone takes a romantic view of Bangladeshi cricket and should gloss over the gaping holes in the team buildup - lack of good fast/medium pacers, opening batsman and backbone in the batting order. Issues that another subcontinental team also faced from its inception but managed to overcome bit by bit.