One of the remaining five batsmen among the top eight has to anchor the innings. This pitch is a better pitch: Samaraweera
Bangladesh have been known to cave in meekly in their second innings, especially after a rock solid show in the first. It has happened twice in succession in New Zealand last month.
So much so that their batting coach Thilan Samaraweera, the former Sri Lanka batsman, tense moments. Bangladesh, being set a target of 459, are 103/3 in their second innings. They need another 356 to win, or to bat the whole day to save the Test.
"I think biggest concern for me is our second innings batting. We blow away quickly," said the 40-year-old who showed a lot of patience while batting for Sri Lanka.
But he is not to coach Bangladesh his style of batting, though he was very effective, scoring big centuries regularly.
"If you bat like me, you can't maximise those players' (potential). They bat differently, only thing is that they have to bat," Samaraweera said.
Bat, they have to, to save the Test and Shakib Al Hasan holds the key. But Samaraweera is helpless with the left-hander's aggressive style.
"If he executes well, that's a good shot. That is the way he plays. Pressure situations make you do some silly mistakes. He will learn from those mistakes," the Lankan said.
Facing an uphill task of saving the game, Samaraweera said: "One of the remaining five batsmen among the top eight has to anchor the innings. This pitch is a better pitch. It is important to get through the first hour on Monday. If you give momentum to the Indians, then we are in trouble."
Samaraweera said his captain Mushfiqur Rahim is Bangladesh best batsman at the moment. "From what I saw in September, he is in very good form. He is one of the best Test batters for our team as he has a solid game plan and has guts," said the former right-handed middle-order batsman.
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