A pronounced Test mentality

For four days, Bangladesh have managed to stay on top of a New Zealand side known for their Test capabilities and a rare excitement coursed the side, unseen especially away from home in Test cricket.

There appeared to be a belief in the Bangladesh camp that their plans were effective. In fact, during difficult scenarios, Bangladesh showed application which usually escapes them. In essence, the beauty of Test cricket was to understand its pulse, and Bangladesh, perhaps for the first time, caught the right tempo throughout the first four days. Mistakes were made and opportunities lost as it all happened on day four but uncharacteristic of Bangladesh's Test mentality, especially overseas, their shoulders had not dropped.

In fact, the other reality was prevalent. The fielders appeared to be on their toes, ears up, ready to pounce and that feeling and belief that something could happen at any moment prevailed within the whole side throughout the first Test when Bangladesh had the ball in hand.

"Listen guys, I have something to say. The bowler is working really hard. Can we support him and make some noise," wicketkeeper Liton Das was heard shouting on the stump mic, calling on the rest of the side to rally around Ebadot Hossain before he scalped three vital wickets in the final session of the fourth day yesterday.

Liton remained vocal, giving little anecdotes, suggestions and instructions to all concerned. An excitement had taken hold of the Bangladesh camp and they did not want to give it up.

Will Young, looking solid, found a delivery from Mehedi Miraz sneaking in and nicked it through to Liton Das, who failed to hold on. Mehedi's plan to induce Ross Taylor into a mistimed sweep had worked only for Shadman Islam to drop one at mid-wicket before Taylor survived a run-out scare.

Mehedi had been working on Taylor for quite a while and when the catch was not taken in the 42nd over with the batter looking for a release shot, it could have confounded hopes like it has on so many occasions.  Intensity could have waned and frustration found its way into confidence. But not this Bangladesh side at Mount Maunganui. The intensity and eagerness from fielders was unwavering, even when Kiwis found further foothold in the third session. 

The true beauty of Test cricket is how the momentum shifts from one side to the other and Bangladesh's grapple to hold on produced perhaps their most stunning display in Tests so far.

There were little moments, little gestures that spoke volumes of how Bangladesh were able to stay in the game mentally.

New Zealand, with all their experience in home conditions, appeared perplexed by Bangladesh's fight. Neil Wagner resorted to giving Mominul Haque an earful after the latter frustrated Wagner by ducking under a few bouncers on the third day. The impressive Shoriful Islam had gotten one to tail in, with a hint of reverse before it tailed out, leaving Taylor perplexed in the second session on day four. Taylor extended his arms sideways, gesturing "what was that?' to the batter at the other end. Such moments allowed this side to march on for four days so far, exploring the joys of the challenges faced in Test cricket.

Reviews had gone bad too before Ebadot's fiery spell late in the day reminded the Tigers that their spirit had been true. For a Bangladesh side going through a rebuilding phase, results should be secondary. But on the fifth and final day, they must now look for a result, finally having found the right rhythm in their Test mentality.