Make it Count: Tamim Iqbal urges Bangladesh batters to convert starts in Tests

IND vs BAN: Tamim Iqbal said that Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam would be disappointed after not being able to convert starts in the second innings of the opening Test at the Chepauk.

In Short

• Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan got out after starts
• Bangladesh need 357 more runs to win
• Najmul Shanto stayed not out on 51 at Stumps on Day 3

Tamim Iqbal said that Bangladesh won’t be benefitted in the long run if their batters keep getting out in their 30s and 40s. The veteran was not pleased with Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan getting out after promising in the second innings of the opening Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

After being asked to chase down a mammoth score of 515, Bangladesh started well with a 62-run stand for the opening wicket off 16.2 overs between Zakir and Shadman. Zakir got out to Jasprit Bumrah for 33 while Shadman made 35 and got out to Ravi Ashwin. Tamim said that the batters need to convert their starts consistently to garner praise.

IND vs BAN, 1st Test, Day 3: Highlights | Full Scorecard

‘Openers will be disappointed’

“Both the openers looked very solid and were batting very comfortably. But these 30s, 35s won’t help Bangladesh in the longer run. We talked about how good they were for an hour or so, but people will still see it as 30s and won’t understand how well they batted. That’s why it’s very important for openers to make it count whenever they get an opportunity,” Tamim told the broadcasters.

“We know that facing the new ball in Test cricket is very difficult. But when you get a start you need to make it count. The openers will be very disappointed, but they played much better than in the first innings,” Tamim added.

After Shadman and Zakir departed, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim also failed to perform. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, however, came out firing on all cylinders. The captain stayed not out on 51 runs off 60 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes before bad light stopped play.

Ravi Ashwin picked up three wickets to put the visitors under immense pressure. At Stumps on Day 3, Bangladesh are staring down the barrel as they needed 357 more runs to win with six wickets in hand.