On Bangladesh..

Or why declaration is not an option for India.

Unless conditions change dramatically in favor of the bowlers, India should not even consider the "D" word as an option.

Right now, after 3 days of play ( 2 part days and a washed out day), Bangladesh has taken 6 Indian wickets for 384 runs. Including 2 centuries and 2 fifties.

A declaration anytime today will give the Bangladeshis batting practice ( 20 wickets in around 5 sessions is pushing it). And quite frankly, I do not see any merit in giving them an opportunity to bat. Especially when they have 5 of their players carrying ailments and/or injuries.

I would rather our guys bat as long as possible, the longer the better. If numbers 8,9, 10 and Jack can keep the Bangladeshis on the field for a prolonged period of time, it puts the Bangladeshi bowling in perspective. And if numbers 8,9,10 and Jack accrue a few runs between them, it puts the Bangladesh bowling in greater perspective.

And if they are unable to get us all out for whatever reasons, Habibul Bashar should be a worried man.

With back to back tests, he will have to come up with a backup plan, quickly, to counter the impotence of his bowling attack.

And if India plays out 5 days and wins the toss in the Test at Mirpur, Glory be!!