‘Shakib has to find the balance between attack and defence’

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo urged Shakib Al Hasan to find a balance between his attack and defense with the bat after talking to the reporters after the end of the third day's play of their first Test against West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan kept Bangladesh's hopes alive as the duo strung together a 123-run stand to help the Tigers avoid an innings defeat. However, almost immediately after taking the second new ball, West Indies got their desired breakthrough when pacer Kemar Roach had Shakib (63 off 99) caught at extra cover. Shakib stood his ground and drove a fuller length delivery, swinging away from the left-handed batter, straight to the man at extra cover who made no mistake in holding on to it. 

"Look I think Shakib is always going to play with more intensity and good intent," Domingo stated. "We don't want him to slog, we want him to play good cricket shots. I suppose he started to transfer a little bit of pressure back on the bowlers. But he is aware that once he gets past the initial stage, he has to bat properly and hold his shape because he is good enough to get hundreds," Domingo said at the post-day press conference.

Despite being the highest run-getter for the Tigers, there were instances of Shakib precariously giving away his wicket. The head coach advocated for his skipper to find a footing in his batting intent.

"He is batting at number seven at the moment but he can also bat at number six. He has to find the balance between attack and defence. Sometimes you have to counterattack there's no doubt about that, but to make sure, he keeps his shape, keeps his head still, because he is a quality batter," Domingo concluded.