Status, yes, but no Tests for Bangladesh

Bangladesh may have been granted Test status, but even before the celebratory din dies down, comes an indication of just how seriously that cachet is taken by the big boys.

England was supposed to make it all official, formally anointing Bangladesh by playing a Test late this year.

That proposal has been postponed. Indefinitely.

The England and Wales Cricket Board in its media release gave no reason for the postponement, saying merely that it would not be possible for England to play the Test either end-2000 or early2001 ahead of its planned Sri Lanka tour, as was previously planned.

With the ECB not committing to an alternate date, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is now exploring alternate opponents, in order to formally flag off its Test status. It is unlikely, however, that they will receive a much better reception from the other members of the big boys' club -- to wit, Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies.

That leaves, among the prestigious opponents, either India, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka. And in this time of trouble, chances are Bangladesh will turn yet again to its old standby, India, and its resident guardian angel, Jagmohan Dalmiya, who during his tenure as ICC chairman ensured a glut of one day extravaganzas, and who will now be required to use his good offices with the Indian cricket board to ensure that the fledgling nation get a game.

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