Shakib escapes the gloom

Light to moderately heavy drizzles marred proceedings on the second day, with only 6.2 overs possible before play was called off at 3:00pm yesterday. Nothing of significance happened in those overs and the small crowd at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur spent mostly a quiet day, some seeking shelter from rain while others kept the cheers going during the brief period of play when the day's proceedings started at 12:50pm.

The rain, however, seemed to have had the opposite effect on ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Having gone for an indoor session after play stopped at 1:20pm, Shakib returned to the field on his way back to the dressing room and provided the highlight of the day.

A barefoot Shakib ran in like a fielder chasing a ball running away for four and proceeded to slide across the covers engulfing the wickets. Shakib appeared to have enjoyed the moment the most on a gloomy, uneventful day and induced some of his child-like joy to the fans as well.

It stood in stark contrast to the scenario he himself was facing, being included in the squad for the New Zealand tour despite notifying the BCB twice of his unavailability. After communicating informally, the southpaw responded to BCB president Nazmul Hassan's comments about awaiting an official letter from Shakib before deciding the matter by handing in a written application seeking permission to sit out the tour.

But Shakib's moment of joy was not enough to dissipate the dark clouds gathering over Bangladesh cricket. Players were being questioned, as were members of the coaching staff and selectors. An investigation into the T20 World Cup debacle is still ongoing, which inevitably brought the players' lack of trust in the processes of the team management and coaches back in focus.

Already in the throngs of a chaotic scenario, the team's upcoming tour of New Zealand was brought into further turmoil by the drama. The ongoing Pakistan series has not exactly been a charm either and the cancellation of the second day's play provide no respite either.

Babar Azam and Azhar Ali were able to add 27 runs to their overnight score of 161 for two, keeping Bangladesh wicketless.

Pacer Khaled Ahmed's very first delivery strayed down the leg-side and was flicked away for four. Azhar, struggling to show any authority on the prior day, reached his fifty as Bangladesh pacers Ebadot Hossain and Khaled failed to find what they needed in conditions conducive to pace. Frequently, they bowled length deliveries, unable to induce mistakes from the Pakistan batters, who could rely on getting that extra time to play shots on the back foot.

Ebadot, who had put in a good performance in the first Test, was guilty of erring in length too and did not manage the kind of movement he found on the first day.

Shakib's character was evident from his capability to refocus despite difficult hurdles but one individual's ability to keep their head above water will not be enough for Bangladesh cricket to get past the gloom.