Harry Tector looks to soccer team’s heroics as Ireland’s cricketers prepare for Test against Bangladesh
Harry Tector: ‘We were so proud to be Irish watching that’ Photo: Sportsfile
Harry Tector didn’t need to look far for an example of an Ireland team winning an away game against all odds when he faced the press in Dhaka on the eve of the second Test against Bangladesh (Wednesday 3.30am Irish time).
“We got back from a function in time to watch the second half in Andy Balbirnie’s room,” he said.
“Unbelievable. Just unbelievable. After the second goal we were excited but when the third went in it was just pandemonium! It was incredible — we were so proud to be Irish watching that.”
Beating Bangladesh on their home patch this week wouldn’t get even a tiny fraction of the attention of Ireland’s win in Budapest, of course, but in terms of achievement it would certainly equal overturning a 2-1 deficit in the last 10 minutes to beat Hungary.
The Boys in Green have never come close to winning in Bangladesh in any format, and have suffered some bruising defeats since their first ill-fated trip in 2008 ended in a 3-0 defeat.
Losing three one-day internationals in five days in searing heat — and not competing in any of them — led skipper Trent Johnston to the resign the captaincy, dramatically announcing his decision to the dressing room post-match wrapped in a bath towel.
Three years later, his successor William Porterfied’s side opened their World Cup campaign in Dhaka but were unable to chase down a modest 205, and that loss in hindsight probably cost them a place the quarter-finals.
On neutral soil Ireland have tasted some success over the Tigers, beating them in Barbados in their most accomplished performance of the 2007 World Cup and again in Nottingham two years later in a World T20 clash.
But neither of the Tests between the sides has been close. Bangladesh won more comfortably than seven wickets to spare would suggest in 2023 at today’s Mirpur venue, and by an innings last week in Sylhet.
“We have to take the learnings from that game,” Tector said. “The two boys making their debuts [Cade Carmichael and Jordan Neill] did really well and the way Paul Stirling batted at the top of the order was brilliant too.
“We need to improve in this Test, come into it with an open mind and start well.”
The match will be streamed live on Cricket Ireland’s Youtube channel.
