Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe revealed that they were left surprised by team India’s attacking approach on Day 4 of the second Test at Green Park, Kanpur. Notably, after a two-day washout, India came out all guns blazing on Day 4 and batted at a run rate of 8.22 scoring 285/9 in just 34.4 overs.
As a result, India managed to take a slender lead of 52 runs and went ahead in the game in no time. Commenting on India’s batting approach on Day 4, Hathurusinghe said that it was unexpected for them to see India come out with such an approach and mentioned that they will take the learnings forward.
“This approach was not seen before and we did not react quickly. Credit to Rohit (Sharma) and his team for taking such an approach and making a game out of it. Going forward, we will know what the top standard is, since this is the best team. Playing India is the toughest assignment at this stage, so we know how much we need to improve,” Hathurusinghe said in the post-match press conference.
Further speaking ahead, the Bangladesh head coach said that veteran all rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be playing the next Test match against South Africa beginning from October 21.
“As far as I know, he will be playing the Test against South Africa,” he said.
Shakib announced his retirement from T20Is ahead of the second Test and also hung up his boots from the longest format and expressed his desire of playing his last match in Bangladesh. He even requested Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to provide him with security to allow him to play his last Test at home.
However, the BCB said that it’s not in their hands to provide him with security and only government can do so. Meanwhile, Shakib will fly back to USA after the Kapur Test as he’s not a part of the T20I squad that will take on India in a three-match T20I series beginning from October 6.
