Published: Nov 06, 2018, 06:58 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 06, 2018, 06:58 PM (IST)
After losing to Zimbabwe in the 1st Test by 151 runs, Bangladesh stand-in skipper Mahmudullah did not mince words on his team batting failure, going to the extend of saying that there is no point playing Test cricket like this.
“We do care about Test cricket,” Mahmudullah said. “Our bowlers have done well. But the batsmen aren’t doing the job. We are in good rhythm in ODIs but the same can’t be said about Tests. We haven’t scored runs in last five or six innings. This is a matter of great concern for us. If we continue to bat like this, I don’t think we will be in a good situation. We must fight back properly, otherwise [there’s] no point of playing Test cricket like this.”
In Sylhet’s debut Test, Zimbabwe crushed Bangladesh to record their first Test win in five years on Tuesday. Chasing 321, Bangladesh were bowled out for 169 on Day 4 of the first Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh’s batting has struggled this year as they have failed to register a score of over 200 in their last eight Test innings – losing all four matches – one against Sri Lanka, two against West Indies and one here against Zimbabwe.
While Bangladesh have been on the up in the limited-over format, lately reaching the final of the Asia Cup, but their Test form has been abysmal, and about the recent loss Mahmudullah said the batsmen, including himself, played some rash shots.
“I think we play too many shots,” he said. “We may also be doing it out of an emotional reaction. But we must restrict this, be choosier. We have to see how we are playing certain bowlers.
“Crucially, we are not creating small partnerships. From top to bottom all of us failed. Only if we can make up these things, you can see a different Bangladesh,” he added.
