'I don't think it was aggressive' - Mominul Haque clarifies on brisk approach against Sri Lanka in Chattogram Test

The 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh seemed a tedious affair for the inviting bowlers, as they had to toil hard for two days to bundle the invited out. When they did, the damage had already been done, as the Lankans piled up 531 runs. In return, the Bangla Tigers showcased a dismal performance with the bat as they were outdone by the Lankans for a paltry 178 runs. 

Declaring at 157/8 in their second innings, Sri Lanka posted a daunting target for Bangladesh as they set to chase 511 runs. While every other batter was struggling, Mominul Haque stood there playing a white ball inning. He amassed 50 runs in just 56 deliveries before getting dismissed off Prabath Jayasuriya anticipating an ambitious shot. Haque emphasised on his shot selection and shed light on his different approach coming into bat.

“Aggressive, I don't think it [Mominul's approach] was aggressive. The wicket was better in the second innings. I wanted to play normal cricket. If I keep blocking, the bowler manages to create a channel and find that space to exploit. If you see my batting against fast bowling, you'd see that I did not play any rushed shot. Against spin, I took calculative risks while playing shots against deliveries that were in my [strong] zone,” Mominul said as quoted by The Daily Star.

Also Read: Dinesh Chandimal leaves Chattogram Test for 'family medical emergency'

“It [Mominul's dismissal] was definitely my fault. If you say that I am to blame for getting out in the last over before Drinks, then yes, it is definitely my fault. I should not have played that shot at that time,” he added.

Bangladesh display below par fielding in second Test

Bangladesh might be picked out for not showing up with the bat and the ball in the second Test. But one glaring aspect that has outshone these aspects is their fielding. Their conduct on the field has been below par as they spoiled three chances on first day itself. Moreover, their fielding fiasco was further highlighted when three slip fielders fumbled when Jayasuriya edged one off Khaled Ahmed in the 121^st over on the day that followed.