Shakib thanks England and Stokes
At the end of a series that was incredibly hard-fought, two of the most influential players on either side showed that it was played in good spirits.
One of the enduring images of the Test series that was drawn 1-1 with Bangladesh winning the second Test against England on Sunday, was Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan performing a stiff army-style salute after getting England counterpart bowled out late on the third day. That was the first wicket of a three-wicket over that virtually ended England's hopes, but at the time it seemed that Shakib signalled the salute as a goodbye to England because he felt that he had dispatched the visitors' last big hope.
After the match, Ben Stokes -- who had gotten in trouble during the tour for on-field behaviour, including a 15 per cent match fee fine in the second Test -- showed that he was really a good sport by tweeting:
Thanks for having us Bangladesh been a brilliant Test/ODI series,salute to the security and the people and of course @Sah75official
Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) October 30, 2016
England had in fact done cricket in Bangladesh a great favour by touring the country after the July 1 terror attack on a Gulshan cafe that targeted foreigners. Shakib was quick to express his appreciation for his defeated opponent:
@benstokes38 you've always been a good mate buddy
— Shakib Al Hasan (@Sah75official) October 30, 2016
He then thanked England on behalf of the cricket-mad nation, turning what was a gesture in the heat of the moment as a show of respect for the visitors.
@benstokes38 Special thanks to ECB and the team for giving us the chance to host you all and Salute for trusting us.
— Shakib Al Hasan (@Sah75official) October 30, 2016
The ever-competitive Stokes, however, will not forget how that contest ended.
Be better mates if you stopped getting me out
Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) October 30, 2016
Shakib had taken the wicket of Stokes on three occasions over the two Tests.
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