Shakib, Tamim make 50th Test memorable
Batters score half centuries adding 155 runs in 4th wicket
Sports Reporter
Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, unarguably the two best batsmen of the country, hardly combined any noticeable partnership despite playing together almost 10 years for Bangladesh. They have been staying at the top two position of Bangladeshs batting chart in Test cricket for long and yet they havent any partnership to discuss. But now they have a partnership, a significant partnership that came in a grand occasion when both of them are playing their 50th Test. Perhaps the Cricketing God wanted them to do so when it mattered most.
With Bangladesh playing Test against Australia after 11 years, Pat Cummins brought back the limelight on him with a vicious spell that had the hosts reeling at 10 for three. Nothing could be such epic to celebrate the landmark Test, rescuing the team from the dire strait. They had just one century partnership and some 50 or 60 runs partnership in the past but nothing was such significant like the 155, the second best partnership in Bangladeshs fourth wicket after Shakib and Naeem Islam 167 against West Indies in 2012.
The partnership indeed kept Bangladesh far ahead of Australia as the pitch started turning and offering bounce as it was expected. The way the Bangladeshi spinners got assistance from the pitch, Bangladeshs first innings total of 260 looked far bigger than anticipation. But had Shakib and Tamim not formed that partnership, it would be tougher to reach such stage.
Our partnership was crucial, Shakib said. It was challenging but we have applied ourselves well in the tricky wicket. At the moment we are in good position but the next day will be new one and that weve to get seven more wickets. Weve that in our mind. Theyve some solid batsmen who could bat well in sub-continent condition. We have to keep our focus on it so that we can do better tomorrow as its a Test match. In every day, different situation will come out and its important to handle it.
Shakib said he had good understanding with Tamim even though they havent have any partnership to notice.
We played 50 Tests together, so there is no misunderstanding between us, he said. Even we didnt talk much in the crease. We feel we need to bat as long as we can. Unfortunately two of us got two good deliveries that cost our wicket.
Shakib said since the ball was turning from the initial stage, they had belief that anything more than 250 would be challenging.
The ball was turning from the initial stage. We had belief that it would be difficult for them. We had target to score at least 250 what we have achieved. Nasir, Miraj and Shafiuls runs was also important.
Plan will be to bowl in the right place. Ultimately, getting wicket or not depends on luck. Bowling in right place is in our control. So, well try to do it.
The premier all-rounder of world saw Australian captain Steven Smith as the biggest threat for Bangladesh.
Steven Smith is the big threat for us. He is sitting at the top of the rankings at this moment. He did very well in India and hit three or four centuries. If we get him our early, well sneak a chance.
Despite missing the century, Shakib said he is happy to contribute for the side in the crucial moment.
However he thought that Bangladesh could use the DRS in more innovative way as the two video reviews (Soumya and Mushfiqur) from Bangladesh was asked, backfired. As two reviews went in vain, Bangladesh didnt ask review for Mehidi Hasan Miraj who is believed to survive.
It was really important because Mirajs out was not out. If we have chances of review we could take it as their partnership reaches to 42. That partnership could be extended further.
SCOREBOARD
Bangladesh first innings:
Tamim c Warner b Maxwell 71
Soumya c Handscomb b Cummins 8
I Kayes c Wade b Cummins 0
Sabbir c Wade b Cummins 0
Shakib c Smith b Lyon 84
Mushfiqur lbw b Agar 18
Nasir lbw b Agar 23
Mehedi c Handscomb b Lyon 18
Taijul lbw b Lyon 4
Shafiul c Hazlewood b Agar 13
Mustafizur not out 0
Extras (b15, lb3, nb2, w1) 21
Total (all out; 78.5 overs) 260
Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-10, 3-10, 4-165, 5-188, 6-198, 7-240, 8-246, 9-246,
10- 260.
BOWLING O M R W
J Hazlewood 15 5 39 0
P Cummins 16 1 63 3
N Lyon 30 6 79 3
A Agar 12.5 2 46 3
G Maxwell 5 0 15 1
Australia first innings:
D Warner lbw b Mehedi 8
M Renshaw not out 6
U Khawaja run out 1
N Lyon lbw b Shakib 0
S Smith not out 3
Extras 0
Total (three wickets; 9) 18
Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-14, 3-14.
BOWLING O M R W
Shafiul 2 0 8 0
Mehedi 4 2 7 1
Shakib 3 1 3 1
