Captain Mushfiqur all praises for Bangladesh bowlers in Chittagong Test

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim is delighted over how the Bangladesh bowlers attacked South Africa’s world class batting line-up in the Chittagong Test.

Bangladesh’s revamped bowling unit deserved the acclaim from their skipper after bundling out the Proteas for a measly 248 in the first innings.

Mushfiq was very disappointed over their lacklustre show in the Tests against Pakistan and India.

But Mushfiq’s reaction after the Chittagong Test was very different at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Saturday.

"I wouldn’t have been unhappy if they took just two wickets after bowling well in this Test,” said Mushfiq in the post-match press conference after rain forced a draw in the first Test.

“This (the way they bowled in Chittagong) is the way of bowling in Tests."

The 28-year old lauded the mental approach of his young bowling unit.

“No one plays Tests for a draw. So you have to keep the method intact; doesn’t matter if you are bowling against Zimbabwe or any other team.”

Brilliant Mustafizur, surprising Shahid

Young Mustafizur Rahman has been a revelation for the Tigers.

The teenager has provided the solution to the problems in their pace attack while hardworking Mohammad Shahid is giving him fine support.

Mushfiq believes Mustafizur will be as successful in Tests as he has been in ODIs.

"He learns very fast. He has already realised that to take wickets in Tests, he has to bowl well consistently and create pressure."

"He himself said picking up wickets in one-dayers is somewhat easier compared to Tests. If the wicket offers no help, it becomes much harder.”

The 19-year old’s 4 for 37 played a pivotal role in bowling the tourists out for under 250.

The commanding show from the bowlers provided a huge confidence boost to the batsmen who matched their resolve with gritty batting display to score 326 on the sluggish track.

But Mushfiqur is aware that expectations are soaring after Mustafizur’s increasingly impressive contribution and huge influence on the bowling attack.

Shahid, too, stunned Mushfiq with his spell after lunch on the first day. The skipper admitted that he had rarely seen such bowling on such wickets.

Although the 26-year old right-arm pacer remained wicket-less in the Test, he and legspinner Jubair Hossain piled immense pressure by pinning the South Africans batsmen at the crease with some superb bowling.

At one stage, Shahid bowled 51 consecutive dot balls with seven maidens on the trot. Hashim Amla and his men crumbled under pressure and lost their last nine wickets for just 112 runs.

"His spell was astonishing for me. Not only Bangladeshi bowlers, but I don’t think any bowler in the world has done that too often. I’ve rarely seen such bowling on flat wickets like this.”

Imrul Kayes grassed two catches in the first slip off Shahid who beat the outside edge numerous times on the first day.

"Shahid must be credited for how he bowled according to a plan. (He) could’ve taken a wicket. But he was unlucky. I hope he will not lose heart and will keep creating chances like this.”

Shahid conceded 34 runs in 17 overs that included nine maidens.

The last match of the two-Test series will start at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Jul 30.