Herath satisfied by shrewd variations

Four years since a drawn Test at Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium against Sri Lanka, the surface still kept its end of the bargain for the batters, as expected. In-between comfortable stroke-play and solid defence, the Bangladesh spinners were able to have their say on a surface that does not have much for pace and had very little for spinners in terms of spin on Day One.

Nayeem Hasan, returning to the Test squad after more than a year, got the better of Dimuth Karunaratne after both Lankan openers had gotten off to a solid start. He then accounted for Oshada Fernando.

Spin coach Rangana Herath complimented his spinners' ability to get a grip on the game as Sri Lanka ended at 258 for four with Shakib Al Hasan Taijul Islam using their experience to good effect and complementing Nayeem Hasan's attacking mindset.

"I am happy with how the bowlers did, especially considering it was the first day of a Test match. Shakib and TJ [Taijul] bowled well. Nayeem took two wickets. He [Nayeem] hasn't played much cricket in the last 18 months but he has been practicing a lot. Because of that, I saw he needed a bit of confidence, but when he got that wicket off the first ball, his confidence [was restored]."

However, Bangladesh would not be too displeased with their performance, thanks largely to Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam. The hosts’ left-arm spin duo were able to weave sticky strands around the Lankan batters to make sure the opening day presented no clear winners. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

Shakib and Taijul were instrumental in bringing Bangladesh back into the game after the second session saw the game veer towards the visitors, with Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews putting on 92 for the third wicket.

The duo worked to a plan and Bangladesh capitalised with crucial breakthroughs after creating pressure. The deliveries from Shakib in particular had a little more air than usual.

With the lack of pace on the wicket in mind, Shakib bowled at 81 km/h in his first spell. The Lankans' run-rate came down from 3.04 at lunch to 2.82 at tea. Taijul used his pace variations to good effect, being quicker in the air than Shakib by bowling at an average of 87 km/h. But the variation of his slower and faster deliveries kept batters guessing.

Herath was happy that the bowling plan came off, especially with Shakib only just returning after testing negative for Covid-19. "We discussed that the bowlers should have a bit of pace and also bowl slower at times. I think Shakib and TJ used their pace very well."

However, after the Lankans were eventually able to get on top of Nayeem, Herath saw opportunity for the lanky spinner to improve on his game plan.

"It depends on their bowling actions," he said of the pace variations employed by Shakib and Taijul. "Shakib can easily bowl slower. Taijul varies his pace well too. Nayeem needs to understand the situation and his role. He has to improve in that case."

Taijul almost had the breakthrough he needed when the umpire raised his finger in the 44th over as a magnificent delivery in the third session took an edge, but Mathews escaped as Mahmudul Hasan Joy could not latch onto the chance. That would have made the difference on a flat surface, especially given Mathews went on to complete his ton.

Shakib bowled seven maidens, giving away just 27 runs, and accounted for Dhananjaya de Silva. The Tigers see further opportunity to make inroads on the second day.

"They are 258-four so I am sure we need two quick wickets as soon as possible tomorrow morning. We want to keep them under 400, so we have to get them out for another 120-130 runs," Herath said.

Scores in brief

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (Day-1)

Sri Lanka: First Innings- 258 for 4 in 90 overs (Mathews 114 not out, Mendis 54, Fernando 36; Nayeem 2-71, Shakib 1-27, Taijul 1-73)