Bangladesh have a long way to go in this Test match: Shakib-al-Hasan

After a disastrous first two days for Bangladesh in the only Test against India, they had something to cheer for on the 3rd day as the visitors reached 322/6 in pursuit of India’s gigantic 687. Riding on half-centuries from former captain Shakib-al-Hasan, current captain Mushfiqur Rahim and teenager Mehedi Hasan Bangladesh went past the 300 mark.

Despite their impressive showing with the bat on Day 3, Bangladesh has a long way to go and have to bat out of their skins to harbour any hopes of saving the Test match. Shakib-al-Hasan was also of the same opinion and feels that the morning session on Day 4 will be very crucial and it can eventually prove to be the decisive session in the Test.  “I think that session will decide the fate of the match. We have to bat really well,” Shakib told reporters after the end of the 3rd day’s play against India.

“For us, it is still a long way in this Test as India is on the front foot right now. We have to really bat well,” he pointed out. “Umesh (Yadav) bowled really well in the morning [on Saturday], moving the ball both ways. I needed to be positive and use the soft hands quite often to counter him,” Shakib added.

Lauding Umesh Yadav’s brilliant spell, Shakib said it was one of the most terrific spells he has ever faced in international cricket. “It was one of the best bowling efforts I had ever faced in Test cricket,” the southpaw was quoted as saying by the Sportstar.

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He was not happy with the shot he played to get out. “Yes, even I am not happy with my dismissal. But, you must have seen I have been playing my shots. It is bad luck that one shot did not get connected (he was out for 82 going for a big heave on onside),” he said.

Shakib also stated that his captain Mushfiqur Rahim loves taking up challenges and that is the reason behind his success rate while batting with the lower order batsmen. “He likes to get involved in everything. He had to be patient [on Saturday] for he needed this half-century coming after a long gap. He did perfectly what the team needed [on Saturday],” Shakib said.

Shakib concluded by saying that Rahim was never asked to give up wicket-keeping to concentrate on his batting. “He loves to do both and that it good for the team too. He shows lot of character. It is not good for him or for the team if he keeps the wicket-keeping gloves away.”