Tamim’s discipline sets the tone

"It was a great knock, Tamim was very disciplined today and didn't try and go fast. He looked like Angelo Mathews actually, just very patient and taking runs whenever they were available and only hitting fours that were handed to him on a plate with bad balls.

— Bangladesh batting coach Jamie Siddons

Hometown hero Tamim Iqbal was a class apart at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram yesterday and the most remarkable aspect of his innings was the necessary poise and comfort he displayed during his 133 run-knock in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh reached a commanding 318 for three at the end of the third day, with Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim seeing off the last delivery after Tamim's wait to maximise his effect was interrupted when he suffered a cramp and had to retire hurt.

Tamim had missed quite a few Tests in recent times and his approach on his return to the Test format in the second Test against South Africa had not looked altogether convincing. There was the regular attacking intent on offer at South Africa, but Tamim may have lacked the harmony he offers when he is in flow. There was a hurried 47-run knock at Gqeberha which took South Africa's focus but did not provide the stability the Tigers needed.

Later, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das would see out the day for Bangladesh, set to continue their unbeaten 98-run stand today. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

Tamim's approach, balance and confidence yesterday looked all-natural. The balance returned and so did the conviction in shot selection. He did throw his hand at one delivery on the second day, which was dropped in the slip cordon, but it would not have counted as it was a no-ball. Sri Lanka were left frustrated but it acted as a warning for Tamim. He appeared on the third day with renewed discipline and picking up a ton.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy turned out to be the perfect opening partner to Tamim's domineering approach and the duo showed class and application as Bangladesh's openers recorded a first 100-run partnership in five years.

Batting coach Jamie Siddons said that they got exactly what they wanted from the opening pair.

"Opening the batting is not an easy job and what they did yesterday [Monday], set up today [Tuesday]. Yesterday was very tough after almost two days in very, very hot conditions. They went none for 75 (76) yesterday and then continued. Tamim's performance was fantastic and there are plenty of more runs left. He's not out so he can come back in when we think he's fit. The discipline today is exactly what we asked for," Siddons said.

"I think after two days in the field and batting like he did, running between the wickets in the heat, it just takes it out of you," Siddons said of Tamim's cramp. But the coach was hopeful that the left-hander could come back in tomorrow and pick up where he left off.

Tamim had been the dominant partner during that 162-run stand with Joy and, after a few wickets fell, he was able to keep himself together and not get distracted by the wicket favouring stroke-play. Being able to hold onto his process was what gave Tamim his natural flair back. Despite being lucky after finding a lifeline when Dhananjaya de Silva dropped one at slip yesterday, Tamim's calm was commendable.

Siddons spotted something similar in Tamim and said Tamim's approach was much more in line with the Test mentality Bangladesh were looking for.

"It was a great knock, Tamim was very disciplined today and didn't try and go fast. He looked like Angelo Mathews actually, just very patient and taking runs whenever they were available and only hitting fours that were handed to him on a plate with bad balls. Didn't take the bowlers on like I've seen him before. Thought he was very disciplined," Siddons said of Tamim's classy knock.

"We made a mistake in South Africa, not taking our time. It was a little bit of a thing we made sure we didn't do today, led by Tamim and then Mushy at the end. Test cricket is not a race. You've got to bat for a long period of time," Siddons said.

Bangladesh will be looking for more of that discipline from the batters today in order to put more pressure on Sri Lanka and also set the approach they are looking for in Tests.