Bangladesh batting coach Jamie Siddons has praised the Tigers’ batting unit for day three’s performance against Sri Lanka, particularly the opening pair for their gritty batting after fielding for almost two days.
The hosts ended day three with 318 runs on the board losing just three wickets in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 397.
Openers Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy produced a 162-run opening stand, which is their highest against Sri Lanka, and the Tigers batting coach expressed delight with their discipline with the bat under scorching heat and after two days of fielding.
“I think Tamim and Joy batted beautifully. Opening the batting is not an easy job and the job that they did (Monday) and also set up (Tuesday) was brilliant. (Monday) was very tough after fielding for almost two days in very hot conditions. They went none for 77 (76) and then continued on (Tuesday)," said Siddons during the post day press conference at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Tuesday.
“Tamim’s performance was fantastic and plenty of more runs left. He’s not out now and can come back in when we think he’s fit. The discipline is exactly what we have asked for.”
Although it was a solid batting wicket on day three, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (one) and skipper Mominul (two) got out cheaply.
But Siddons believes they are playing well and will score runs soon.
“I think they will be fine. The batting is about the whole team and not just one or two batters. If the team are doing well, you can carry a couple of players through couple of bad innings. I think they are both hitting the ball pretty well. Techniques are fine. Shanto is a very talented player and I know he’s been talked about a lot over the last few years but I’m sure he will come good,” said Siddons.
Tamim retired hurt on 133 runs and did not come out to bat after tea break.
He got cramps after grueling three days of fielding and batting.
Siddons confirmed in the press conference that Tamim is okay now and that he will bat Wednesday after getting proper rest Tuesday night.
Bangladesh are now targeting a big lead as Shakib al Hasan is still to come in the batting order and Tamim will hopefully continue his batting.
“Liton (Das) is a player who scores quickly and Shakib we know what he does. Tamim still to come so we’ve got players who can put the pressure on Sri Lanka (Wednesday). We know they will be tired. We’ve given them a taste of their own medicine and keeping them in the heat and we will do it again (Wednesday) and see what happens. We’re only 70-odd behind now so well within striking distance in the first session and then if we don’t lose too many wickets we can certainly put pressure on and post a total we can bowl to,” Siddons concluded.