Sabbir gives invaluable support to Mushfiq

The pair helps Bangladesh to reach respectable total

While there was whispering in the air about the needs of Sabbir Rahman and Soumya Sarkar in the team in a format which required huge patience and skill, at least the former showed he has the ability to fit into the longer version game.

Sabbir’s 66 was the testament of what he can do when the team is left in precarious position. It was his career best score, eclipsing his previous best of 64—that came against England.

Instead of the score, what was more significant was his aggressive yet restrained approach and it looked he was destined for his maiden century. But an unfortunate dismissal cut short of what could have been so graceful innings.

He shared 105-run with Mushfiqur Rahim for the sixth wicket stand after Bangladesh slumped to 117 for five. Australia were in utter control and made Bangladesh’s scoring rate slowed down completely.

Mushfiqur however showed the steadfastness in a bid to keep the side unscathed but at that point someone also needed to ensure that Australia could not inflict a fear into the Bangladesh’s mind.

Sabbir responded well in the tricky condition and took some calculative risk to reverse the pressure on the visitors. And he did it successfully to assure Mushfiqur Rahim. The visitors for a moment became disarray in the face of Sabbir’s calculative attack but the knock came to an end bit unfortunately as he failed to keep his balance to be stumped.

“We, the younger players, can give some of the seniors a bit of respite if we can get some runs,” Sabbir said.

“I couldn’t keep my balance. We would have been in a better position had I remained unbeaten. But I thought we did well today,” he said of his dismissal.

He might get dismissed unfortunately and miss his ton but the contribution he put, giving Mushfiqur Rahim a well support was invaluable. Had he not there, Bangladesh wouldn’t have been in the position where they are now.

Given the fact that Nathan Lyon got most of the deliveries skidded which were tough to deal, the significance of the innings looked more crucial.

 “I honestly couldn’t adjust to the wicket too well. I tried to play my game. I supported Mushfiqur bhai. I don’t know what the wicket will do on the second or third day,” he said.

“I am happy to make a contribution for the team. I had the right mindset when I went out to bat. I don’t have much experience but I train a lot. It is important to play in your own way in these wickets. I might have got out earlier if I tried to survive in this wicket.”

And he knew now well how important the mindset is in the longer version format.

“I made forties in the 100th Test. Mindset is more important than what I score – 100 or a duck. I batted at No 7 for team combination, not because I made a duck.”

Sabbir however revealed that he not only batted aggressive but also gave the sledge back to the Aussie when he was batting on.

“I sledge at them because they do it too. I like to sledge when I am batting too, I enjoy it.”

SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh first innings
Tamim lbw b Lyon     9
Soumya lbw b Lyon     33
Imrul Kayes lbw b Lyon     4
Mominul lbw b Lyon     31
Shakib c Wade b Agar     24
Mushfiqur not out     62
Sabbir st Wade b Lyon     66
Nasir Hossain not out     19
Extras (b5)     5
Total (six wickets, 90 overs)    253
Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-21, 3-70, 4-85,
5- 117, 6-222.
BOWLING    O    M    R    W
P Cummins    17    4    33    0
N Lyon    28    6    77    5
S O’ Keefe    20    0    70    0
A Agar    17    6    46    1
G Maxwell    3    0    6    0
H Cartwright    5    1    16    0

 

Sabbir gives invaluable support to Mushfiq

The pair helps Bangladesh to reach respectable total

While there was whispering in the air about the needs of Sabbir Rahman and Soumya Sarkar in the team in a format which required huge patience and skill, at least the former showed he has the ability to fit into the longer version game. Sabbirs 66 was the testament of what he can do when the team is left in precarious position. It was his career best score, eclipsing his previous best of 64that came against England. Instead of the score, what was more significant was his aggressive yet restrained approach and it looked he was destined for his maiden century. But an unfortunate dismissal cut short of what could have been so graceful innings. He shared 105-run with Mushfiqur Rahim for the sixth wicket stand after Bangladesh slumped to 117 for five. Australia were in utter control and made Bangladeshs scoring rate slowed down completely. Mushfiqur however showed the steadfastness in a bid to keep the side unscathed but at that point someone also needed to ensure that Australia could not inflict a fear into the Bangladeshs mind. Sabbir responded well in the tricky condition and took some calculative risk to reverse the pressure on the visitors. And he did it successfully to assure Mushfiqur Rahim. The visitors for a moment became disarray in the face of Sabbirs calculative attack but the knock came to an end bit unfortunately as he failed to keep his balance to be stumped. We, the younger players, can give some of the seniors a bit of respite if we can get some runs, Sabbir said. I couldnt keep my balance. We would have been in a better position had I remained unbeaten. But I thought we did well today, he said of his dismissal. He might get dismissed unfortunately and miss his ton but the contribution he put, giving Mushfiqur Rahim a well support was invaluable. Had he not there, Bangladesh wouldnt have been in the position where they are now. Given the fact that Nathan Lyon got most of the deliveries skidded which were tough to deal, the significance of the innings looked more crucial. I honestly couldnt adjust to the wicket too well. I tried to play my game. I supported Mushfiqur bhai. I dont know what the wicket will do on the second or third day, he said. I am happy to make a contribution for the team. I had the right mindset when I went out to bat. I dont have much experience but I train a lot. It is important to play in your own way in these wickets. I might have got out earlier if I tried to survive in this wicket. And he knew now well how important the mindset is in the longer version format. I made forties in the 100th Test. Mindset is more important than what I score 100 or a duck. I batted at No 7 for team combination, not because I made a duck. Sabbir however revealed that he not only batted aggressive but also gave the sledge back to the Aussie when he was batting on. I sledge at them because they do it too. I like to sledge when I am batting too, I enjoy it. SCOREBOARD Bangladesh first innings Tamim lbw b Lyon 9 Soumya lbw b Lyon 33 Imrul Kayes lbw b Lyon 4 Mominul lbw b Lyon 31 Shakib c Wade b Agar 24 Mushfiqur not out 62 Sabbir st Wade b Lyon 66 Nasir Hossain not out 19 Extras (b5) 5 Total (six wickets, 90 overs) 253 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-21, 3-70, 4-85, 5- 117, 6-222. BOWLING O M R W P Cummins 17 4 33 0 N Lyon 28 6 77 5 S O Keefe 20 0 70 0 A Agar 17 6 46 1 G Maxwell 3 0 6 0 H Cartwright 5 1 16 0