'We need to bat longer'

The weather was brilliant yesterday as the sun shined all over. And when Bangladesh vice-captain Tamim Iqbal came to meet the press ahead of the second and final Test against South Africa before training at Mirpur, he added even more shine while talking about his side's chances in the last game of South Africa's tour.

He was well aware of the reality that his side still had a long way to go in the longer-version of the game, but he believed that the success in the ODI series followed by the performance in the first Test in Chittagong gave his side the momentum.

"In Tests maybe we haven't achieved anything big, but we are definitely playing better than before. At least we are competing," said the experienced opener, exuding confidence.

Bangladesh made a brilliant comeback in the second session of the first Test, but Tamim still emphasised that a good start was needed in the second Test to keep the momentum. Most importantly, he pointed out that the players need to convert their starts into big knocks. The batsmen's failure to convert their starts despite a good batting approach was the only flaw in an otherwise wonderful performance from the hosts in the first Test.

"In Chittagong the wicket was easy to bat on, but hard to score on. Riyad bhai [Mahmudullah Riyad], Shakib [Al Hasan], Litton [Das] and I were set and it was our responsibility to make the innings a big one, but we couldn't do that. Had we managed to do that, we could have been in a better position.

"The most important thing is to score the first 20 runs and get set. The next 40 runs are not that difficult to score. So in the Dhaka Test we will be targeting that. If someone gets a start, he should stay and convert it to a big score. It will make things easier for the others," the left-hander said.

Tamim also gave his perspective on the sweep shot which ended his watchful 57-run knock in the first Test.

"I think, in the entire innings, that was the one shot I shouldn't have played. I don't think I made any other mistakes in those 130 balls, but you need just one ball to get out. At the end of the day, I need to play my shots and when I do that, there will be a bit of risk. If I get out playing my best shot, I won't have any regrets."

The Chittagonian also reminded that the task at Mirpur will be tougher, as the formidable South Africa may get more advantage than they did in Chittagong.

"They are all quality bowlers. To be honest, Chittagong offered very little to the fast bowlers. Here [Mirpur], maybe they will get a little bit more help."

The Tigers have gone through a long season, but according to Tamim they are enjoying every moment.

"I think tiredness is a mental thing. If you are tired mentally it will affect you. But our trainers and team management are working so that we don't become mentally exhausted. They are making us do something different in every practice session. So we are learning to enjoy every session, every meeting. I think that's a good thing, because if you enjoy something you are bound to do well in it."