Bangladesh team's senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin was seen in deep discussion with Anamul Haque Bijoy and Shadman Islam beside the nets at the Bir Shreshtho Flight Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium Stadium in Chattogram yesterday. Shortly after, the duo began batting side-by-side in adjacent nets, indicating a likely change at the top of the order for the second Test against Zimbabwe, which starts today.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who featured in the Sylhet Test which Bangladesh lost by three wickets, was notably absent -- a strong signal that Bijoy is set to replace him following his poor run.

Bangladesh, desperate for a series-saving win, are likely to make changes not just in batting, but also in the bowling department. With Nahid Rana leaving to play in the PSL, left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam has been called up, though he is unlikely to make the playing XI. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, however, appears to be in contention. The Chattogram local was actively involved in both bowling and batting drills and boasts a solid record at this venue. With Zimbabwe expected to field at least four left-handers, the team is considering pairing him with Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Despite Taijul Islam's underwhelming performance in Sylhet, he might retain the team's backing as their most experienced spinner. However, the strategy this time will differ. Unlike previous home Tests where Bangladesh occasionally played only four bowlers to strengthen their batting, head coach Phil Simmons confirmed that the team will field five specialist bowlers:

"No, not at the moment (regarding an extra batter). In Test cricket, you need five bowlers. Especially here, where we've played before, five bowlers are essential."

While the final composition is yet to be announced, Simmons said the team is weighing two possible combinations -- either three seamers and two spinners, or two seamers and three spinners. Team sources suggest the latter is more likely, especially with Chattogram's surface expected to favour spin as the match progresses.

If the team opts for two pacers, Hasan Mahmud is almost a certainty. He may be joined by Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who is in line for a Test debut. Though Khaled Ahmed performed reasonably well in Sylhet, Tanzim is being considered for his extra pace and added batting depth.

"I think he (Tanzim) can shine in any format," Simmons said. "His bowling is deceptive, and he hits good areas consistently. He also adds some batting depth, which is a bonus."

The Chattogram wicket is expected to differ from Sylhet's. Bangladesh's coaching staff anticipate a harder surface conducive to high scores in the early days, while Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine expects a slower track favouring spinners. Despite differing views, both teams agree that Chattogram will not offer the extra bounce seen in Sylhet. If cracks develop as expected later in the match, spinners like Miraz and Taijul could be key to Bangladesh's success.