Shakib urges Bangladesh to improve 1st-inning batting against India: Details
What's the story
Bangladesh all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has emphasized the need for his team to enhance their first-inning batting performance in the upcoming Kanpur Test against India.
This statement comes following Bangladesh's 280-run defeat by India in the initial Test at Chepauk, Chennai.
Shakib attributed this loss largely to Bangladesh's first innings score of 149, in response to India's total of 376 runs.
Here's more.
Performance review
Shakib reflects on team's performance in Chennai
Shakib expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance in Chennai, stating, "I think in patches we played really well in Chennai, but finishing the match in three and a half days isn't ideal for us."
He further added that they felt like a better team than what was displayed.
Shakib also acknowledged an improvement from the first to second innings, where Bangladesh scored around 250 runs after being bowled out for 150.
Game plan
Shakib's strategy for upcoming Test against India
Looking ahead to the next Test match, Shakib stated, "If we can score 350 or thereabouts, that will be a huge improvement."
He believes that achieving a score of 350 to 400 in the first innings will significantly boost the team's confidence.
Despite acknowledging India's current status as an unbeatable home team and their formidable track record, Shakib remains optimistic about Bangladesh's potential to compete effectively.
Strategy focus
Shakib downplays pitch conditions, focuses on skill and execution
Shakib downplayed the significance of pitch conditions in determining the outcome of matches against teams like England, Australia and India.
"Pitches don't matter much against teams like England, Australia, and India," he said in a press conference.
He further added that Bangladesh just have to perform better than they did in Chennai.
Despite their success in ODIs, Bangladesh has yet to secure a Test victory against India since their first encounter in Dhaka in 2000.
Performance
Shakib's performance in 1st Test raised questions
Shakib bowled eight overs in the first innings, conceding 50 runs (ER: 6.20). He scored a 64-ball 32 with the bat thereafter in Bangladesh's score of 149.
Shakib then bowled 13 overs, giving away 79 runs. Notably, he failed to bowl a single maiden across two innings.
During Bangladesh's chase, Shakib managed 25 runs from 56 balls.
Shakib contributed to Bangladesh's defeat by a massive margin of 280 runs in Chennai.
Adieu
Shakib retires from T20Is, confirms final Test appearance
Shakib has retired from T20I cricket with immediate effect. Shakib announced the same while addressing the media ahead of Bangladesh's 2nd Test against India in Kanpur.
The 37-year-old also revealed that he will play his last Test in the impending series against South Africa at home.
Notably, Shakib is expected to represent Bangladesh in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.