Mahmud remains positive despite dropped chances

Bangladesh's pace bowler Hasan Mahmud said on Tuesday that they are not losing their focus despite being sloppy in the opening day of the first Test against Ireland at Sylhet as they are eyeing to take positives rather than grumble over the dropped catches, according to Cricbuzz.

Ireland posted 270 for 8 at end of day's play, with the Bangladeshi fielders dropping five catches but the right-arm pacer was upbeat about the fact that chances were being created.

"It's part of the game catches will be dropped but we try to take it as a positive that opportunities are coming and the fielders stay more alert for the next one," Hasan told reporters at Sylhet after the opening day's play.

"Of course, it doesn't feel good when a catch is missed, but everyone is trying their best," he said.

Hasan added that they are focusing on fielding in their practice sessions while he looked optimistic that the team would improve in the coming days.

"I believe everyone is working hard enough on fielding. We do fielding drills every day when we come to the ground. We're trying to get better bit by bit," said Hasan

"This can happen during a game. Catch drops are part of cricket. The main thing is to recover positively - maybe we missed many today, but next time it will decrease. That's what we focus on."

Hasan said that the team was satisfied with their bowling effort on a batting-friendly track as Ireland ended the first day of the Sylhet Test at 270 for 8. "The wicket is very good for batting, but our bowling was disciplined, and our economy rate is around three," said Hasan.