Bangladesh look to Nasir Hossain to reach decent total

Mominul Haque believes with Nasir Hossain unbeaten, Bangladesh can still get a decent first innings total in the second Test against South Africa.

Nasir faces a big responsibility on his return to the Test team after Bangladesh suffered a middle order collapse in the last session of the first day at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Barring Tamim Iqbal and Liton Kumar Das, all the other batsmen settled down but failed to build a big innings.

Bangladesh slumped from 180 for 3 to 246 for 8 before the close of play on Thursday.

Nasir, who played his last Test against the West Indies last September, was unbeaten on 13 at stumps.

The Tigers, however, have enough faith in the 23-year old to hope for a total around 300, Mominul said after first day's play.

"I think a score of around 350 to 400 runs will give the bowlers a total to bowl at. But we should first get 300," Mominul said in a press conference.

Nasir, who was included to add depth to Bangladesh's batting, has to play the role of a saviour with his two remaining partners, taiilenders Jubair Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman.

“I think 300 is possible if Nasir bats well. Our tail can defend the ball. Then if we can bowl in the right areas, we have a chance."

South African bowlers were accurate all through the day and tied down the batsmen.

"They bowl stump-to-stump and hardly gave balls to score off. They have three of the best fast bowlers in the world. 

"I had a hard time scoring runs. Their spinners bowled well too."

Mominul thinks the pitch will deteriorate in the days to follow.

"The wicket will turn from the second and third day. It will help our spinners." 
To err is human

Despite losing Tamim early, Mominul and Kayes laid a strong platform for the later batsmen by taking the Tigers to 81 for 1 at one stage.

But the hosts put on a tame show in the final session losing five wickets for just 66 runs.

Tamim and Liton failed to reach double digits while Mominul himself Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan got out after making 30 or more.

Mominul looked set for a big score but yet again failed to convert a good start. 

"I think I took a wrong decision to go for that ball. Maybe that’s why I got out. I think I got out in the forties for the first time. To err is human."

The left-handed batsman was out caught behind while attempting to cut spinner Simon Harmer in Chittagong. He went back off Jean-Paul Duminy in a similar fashion after scoring 40 on Thursday.

"I took a wrong decision, the first of the day. It was also a wrong choice of shot in the last game. I hope to overcome quickly. 

"I don’t think I am losing concentration. The cut is my scoring shot, so I am playing those shots from which I get runs. 

"Sometimes your best shot doesn't work for you."