Hosts focus on batting, fielding

Bangladesh are focusing on their batting and fielding ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Khulna.

The Bangladesh team had a training session on Saturday 10am at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, where the second Test will take place from Monday.

Bangladesh put up a lacklustre show in batting and fielding in the Mirpur Test which called for the extra attention.

The team went in to practice batting right after warming up.

Tamim Iqbal was dismissed off short balls in both the innings in Mirpur. Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe made the opener practice separately.

The hosts had failed to take a formidable lead over Zimbabwe’s first innings total despite three batsmen scoring promising fifties.

Three of the Tigers’ batsmen walked back to the pavilion without scoring in the second, thus justifying their worry over the batting performance.

Also, Bangladesh fielders couldn’t back up their bowlers in the first innings, dropping six catches.

Hathurusinghe made the fielders work hard on their fielding and catching, both in the slips and outfield.

A win in the second Test will assure Bangladesh of progressing in the ICC Test rankings.

Optimistic Anamul

Bangladesh batsman Anamul Haque, working hard on his technique, is confident of making an impact.

He has been included in the Test squad to replace Al-Amin Hossain who signed off for exams.

The top-order batsman, who has an average of only 9.12 after playing four Tests, has been training three times a day.

“I am stressing on the technical aspects in my practice. I think a good Test innings is necessary for me to start becoming consistent,” the 21-year-old said.

The right-handed bat had been leading the BCB XI in Kolkata’s Acharya Memorial Trophy in which his team won just one of the three matches played. He played no significant role with the bat.

Anamul said he was quite surprised with the call-up.

Bangladesh lead the three-match Test series against Zimbabwe 1-0, winning the first Test within three days.