Ahead of the series ending Test, staring on Thursday, what would keep the fans skeptic, is Bangladesh’s psychological fatigue which had brought a disappointing end to some of the exciting series in the recent past.

The last two series against Pakistan and India could be a burning example. While they whitewashed Pakistan in the three-match ODI and drew the first Test, gaining upper hand in most of the sessions, they lost the second Test almost without any resistance.
After drawing the Test against India by the blessings of rain, they won the first two matches in commanding way to clinch the series but lost the third ODI disappointingly.
Those two series gave the indication that Bangladesh were unable to keep up the momentum at the end of the series because of not being used to play a long series more often.
The series against South Africa is longer than that two series and the apprehension is there if they could keep the momentum up, gaining from the ODI series and first Test.
Bangladesh’s vice-captain for Test cricket Tamim Iqbal said the hungriness to win the Test could wipe out the tiredness that historically affects them at the fag end of the series.
“Everything depends on your mindset, specially in Test cricket. If we are mentally tired, it could affect our performance. What we need is to enjoy the cricket,” he told the reporters yesterday ahead of Bangladesh’s practice session.
“But the good thing is that the players are hungry to win. They are determined to bring a good end to a good series. The team management and physio are working hard to keep us charged up. By working with them intensively I think we are enjoying the cricket and such thing like tiredness won’t affect us.”
He said that the momentum is with them after winning the ODI series and competing in the first Test and this thing will help them to overcome all odds in the second Test.
“We won the ODI series and competed with them in the first Test. The Test match is evenly balanced. Everybody knows how good team they are in Test cricket so it is our credit to give them a tough fight. Momentum is with us and we need to carry it. The first session will be key whether we bowl first or bat first. For a team like us, start is the key. If we get a good start, we have to ensure that we’ll carry it.”
The Bangladesh team had proper practice yesterday after sun shined in full glory. They had a three hours long practice session.
Tamim however didn’t see the wicket but felt that it would be a traditional wicket. According to him, the pitch could be responsive for the fast bowlers. If so, it would be alarming for Bangladesh given the pace bowling resources of the Proteas. Moreover Bangladesh’s record in Mirpur is not noteworthy.
“We haven’t any big achievement in Test cricket so ground isn’t matter here. I didn’t see the wicket so I can’t tell what it could behave but traditionally it has more assistance for pacer than Chittagong. South Africa has quality bowlers. Honestly they didn’t get much assistance from the pitch in Chittagong. I think Mirpur will provide them more support. “
“Whatever the wicket is, we need to play good cricket. We have the momentum with us and we should carry it.”
The opener pointed out some areas in which he stressed on to do well.
“In the Chittagong Test we did well but there are some areas in which we have to work hard. We have got a good start but didn’t carry it. Most of our batsmen including me became set in the crease but we couldn’t prolong the innings. Among us, one should make his innings longer. Actually what I’ll say is that the Chittagong wicket is easy to bat but tough to score. However we should careful of making our innings longer if we set in the crease.”
“Overall the first Test is good for us but the same mistakes would cost us, so we should concentrate on making our innings longer. Credit to our bowlers as well, they did exceptionally well. In ODI, you can make up by doing well in other department but in Test cricket, you need to take 20 wickets and bat well.”