Shakib weighs fielding improvements

After a comprehensive defeat in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Mirpur, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan believes that fielding improvement is the key to bounce back in the second Test in Chittagong, reports bdnews24.com.

The second and last Test will start tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong.

Shakib spoke to journalists on Sunday during a gap in the first day's practice session.

"Improvements are required in all departments of the game. Fielding is the most important one. All their big scorers were given life. Without the slips, they wouldn't have piled up so many runs."

The pressure of the visitors' huge score of over 700 runs in the first innings made it very difficult to save the match, acknowledged left-handed all-rounder.

"I knew that there was no other way but to bat for two days after they amassed 700 runs. It was very difficult then. But if it was 400, we would have known they would have to bat again if we batted well."

Shakib thinks, after playing good cricket consistently for a couple of years, it is not uncommon for any team to play badly in one match. But taking a U-turn from there is what really counts.

"We have bounced back from similar situations before, and confidently too. I hope, there will be no problems. Everybody is focused on the next match."

Short-balls from Sri Lanka's pacers made life difficult for Bangladesh batsmen in the first Test. Being unprepared for such deliveries, the hosts' batsmen failed, but Shakib assured they were better prepared this time.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim, the wicketkeeper, dropped at least four catches in the Mirpur Test. Shakib believed that the skipper will retain his best form leaving disappointing memories behind.

"Mushfiq bhai is making progress in keeping. Bad days may befall anyone. I hope it won't happen again."

Shakib assumes that any result is possible if they play their best cricket. "Seniors have more responsibility, but the newcomers too will have to play their role. A team requires all the support starting from ball boy to supporting crowd to play good cricket."