'The shift to No. 3 is a tough one'

Imrul Kayes made it clear yesterday that it is the opening position where he feels most at home, but the left-hander has been trying hard to adjust to his new role as a one-down batsman assigned by the team management.

It was the 30-year-old left-hander's turn to appear at the official media briefing after training at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur where he mostly fielded questions regarding his batting position, especially after the reintroduction of Mominul Haque threw the selection possibilities wide open for the first Test starting from August 27.

"See, I batted at number three in the last Test in Sri Lanka. Actually I am talking with the coach [Chandika Hathurusingha] and as per his advice I am batting at number three in the nets.  It's tough to shift to number three from the opening position, but I had to adjust," said Imrul, in response to a question about his new batting position.

He also spoke his mind when asked how difficult it was for him to bat at three despite the fact that he is a successful opening batsman. "When I sit in the dressing room with the pads on, I feel restless wondering when I will go to the middle. I need to adjust to it. If you ask Tamim [Iqbal] to do it, he will not do it. Initially it was also difficult for me but I had to play in the interest of the team."

Reminded of his eight-year career's 'ins and outs', Imrul was not willing to comment on whether the team management deprived him by changing his batting position; instead, he was looking forward.

"I think that I am at number three because of the team plan. Soumya [Sarkar] did well in the last few matches and that's why the coach gave me the number three position," he added. 

Ultimately, Imrul's main objective is to play for the national team and further the team's best interests regardless of where he is asked to bat. He also named some positives at number three.

"There are both advantages and disadvantages when you face the new ball. I think there is more of an advantage to batting at number three because many batsmen in the world became successful batting in this position."

He also saw the inclusion of Mominul as a good sign for the team as it will create a good competition for the number three position.

"It was a positive sight [the return of Mominul]. Healthy competition for a spot is always good. If there is competition, the team management can pick their best option. And it also helps the player to perform," opined Imrul.