Bangladesh plan to bat as long as possible to deprive India enforcing a result in the one-off Test in which the visitors had already established their absolute dominance by batting at faster pace amid the interruption of the monsoon rain. The way the game is now heading, the hosts are in danger to loss it if the weather permits a full day game over the last two days as India cruised to 462-6 on the rain-interrupted third day.
“I am sure they will try to take a chance because they have scored more than 450 and they don’t have anything to lose,” said Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
“ At the same time, we have to score runs. We have to bat well in six sessions (if weather permits). We are aware of the situation. And the batsmen are mentally ready. In fact we were thinking they would declare right after tea. So we are ready that we might get a tough period and it will come for sure. If we can survive that period it will be good for us,” he added.
“It’s difficult to talk about the mindset of our team at the moment. But one thing is for sure, when we go to bat, we will try to bat for as long as possible.”
Indian batsmen’s aggressive approach contributed in losing their six wickets on day three but Bangladesh also bowled well at planned way which was absent in their approach on the first day.
Shakib, for the time being was happy that he could execute the plan well.
“I think the way we approached on the first day it wasn’t right. It wasn’t like a Test team. We had a chat about it in the dressing room that we can be much better. Yes it can help when you get wickets, to be in the game a bit more and luckily we did. So after that everybody was up for the challenge,” he informed.
“ I thought they batted the first hour consciously and whenever they tried to score runs they lost wickets and lost momentum and that’s why they couldn’t score at the rate they wanted to. That was a positive sign for our bowling attack because we kept on taking wickets.”
Shakib stayed positive that Bangladesh would not face any trouble to deal with the Indian bowlers as the pitch still remains good to play on.
“The pitch is still really good and is as expected. There is no problem. There is no uneven bounce either. I don’t think it will be a problem for us. If the wicket stays like this I am sure we can handle their bowling attack.”
The Bangladesh team combination was heavily questioned after the team management fielded just one pacer. Shakib however opined the combination was right given the nature of the wicket.
“Well to be honest it’s up to the team management… what they think about the team, what will be the best combination for the team. But my personal opinion is that it was a right option to choose. Because we were thinking of playing five days cricket and we were thinking of finding some one who could be more effective during this time; not just the first session or two hours of the Test match.”
SHAKIB HAILS LIKHON
Shakib hailed the progress of leg-spinner Jubair Hossain Likhon who claimed 2-113, terming him as the big asset for Bangladesh.
 He said Likhon should get matches in domestic circuit at regular basis to hone his skill. Likhon couldn’t make room in the divisional team and his club Abahani Limited as the management there couldn’t dare to afford a leg-spinner in the match, reckoning that they would be very expensive in Bangladesh’s wicket.
“I am not sure if he played any match at all after playing the Test series against Zimbabwe. If he doesn’t get a chance to play in the Bangladesh Cricket League, the Bangladesh Premier League it will be bad for both him and the national team. So I feel that those who are watching and observing these issues, they need to seriously observe these things and find out a way for him to play matches on a regular basis,” he said adding that Likhon can be some one who can take 300 to 400 wickets for the country.
“The deliveries that fell in the right areas troubled the Indian batsmen and he is turning the ball as well. At the same time his googly is going well. Many batsmen haven’t been able to pick it. He can be a very big asset for Bangladesh’s Test cricket.”
“We have patience, but we don’t know how patient you are or how patient the people of Bangladesh will be with Jubair.”