Shakib: We’re in driving seat but must maintain focus

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan believes they are in the driving seat after day one of their first Test match against Australia in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. The host were bundled out for 260 but rocked the visiting side with three quick wickets within nine overs. The left-hander formed a brilliant partnership with Tamim Iqbal when Bangladesh were struggling, having lost the top-order batsmen in quick succession.

100 partnership comes up for Shakib and Tamim , their only 2nd in Test cricket.#BANvAUSTo follow Live Score: https://t.co/JKFazqECUn pic.twitter.com/UxcUQEvu00

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 27, 2017

Shakib though admitted Bangladesh need to focus on day two and claim the remaining seven wickets quickly to pile more pressure on Australia. “It was quite challenging to bat out there. I think Tamim and I applied ourselves. It was an important partnership. We may be in the driving seat but we need to take seven more wickets. They have some batting left too, so we have to focus well. Every day gives you a new situation in Test cricket,” Shakib told the media after the day’s play.

Lyon goes this time, Shakib strikes for the first time. Australia are 14/3 after 7 overs.#BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/i1hMhtzH58— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 27, 2017

“Our plan is to bowl in the right areas on day two. Taking wicket is a matter of luck but if we bowl well, we will have things under control,” he said. Tamim and Shakib are both playing their 50th Test and the latter informed that his partnership with the Chittagong cricketer was vital.

22nd Test fifty for Shakib Al Hasan in his 50th Test.

Bangladesh: 99/3 #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/IQHa0smSe9— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) August 27, 2017

“We don’t really talk that much. We just kept batting, as long as possible. The job was slightly easier for us since we are quite experienced now and played together for a long time. This is our 50th Test. We were batting well in the second session but those two deliveries which kicked on us cost us our wicket,” said the 30-year old all-rounder.

In his 50th Test - and first against Australia - Shakib brings up a classy half-century, his 22nd in Tests: https://t.co/pZR57wcCoh #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/iFZVC7yd64— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 27, 2017

Shakib also praised the middle- and lower-order for their valuable contribution as he said they were targeting a total around 250 at one stage. “It was turning from the start. We felt that it was going to be tough for them too. We wanted to get to 250, which we were able to do. I think Nasir [Hossain], [Mehedi Hasan] Miraz and Shafiul [Islam] added important runs,” said Shakib.

OUT! A horror start for the Aussies as Lyon is trapped in front by Shakib for a duck. Australia 3-14... #BANvAUS

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 27, 2017

Shakib explained that Australia captain Steven Smith is the biggest threat currently facing Bangladesh right now in the first innings. He said Bangladesh need to check him early in order to restrict Australia.

I know that it's a little too early....but have a strong feeling about Bangladesh winning this Test. #BanvAus— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 27, 2017

“Smith  is our biggest challenge. He is among the top batsmen in the world. His record speaks for itself. He made runs in India so bowling to him is a major challenge,” informed Shakib. “There will be pressure. Australia haven’t really done well recently in these conditions. Bangladesh wickets are different than those in India and Sri Lanka. So regardless of how much they have trained, it is not going to be easy,” he concluded.

An eventful day of test cricket in Mirpur.#BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/uEQ8H9eVnv

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 27, 2017