Bangladesh Opener Shadman Defends Batting Lineup After Sri Lanka Test Setback

Shadman Islam, the opening batsman for Bangladesh, has voiced his support for the team's batting lineup following a lackluster performance on the opening day of the second Test match against Sri Lanka.

Shadman top-scored for Bangladesh with 46 on a rain-hit opening day © AFP

Despite several Bangladesh batsmen managing to get decent starts, none were able to convert them into substantial scores. This was largely due to questionable shot selection, as Bangladesh concluded the rain-affected first day in a precarious position.

While Shadman led the way with a score of 46, other batsmen including Mominul Haque (21), Mushfiqur Rahim (35), Litton Kumar Das (34), and Mehidy Hasan (31) all showed promise, but ultimately failed to capitalize on their starts after weathering the initial pressure.

Following the day's play, Shadman addressed reporters, stating, "You cannot score runs without playing shots. We played shots in Galle too where those ended in boundaries. But unfortunately, maybe it was not our day today."

He further clarified that there wasn't a deliberate attempt to accelerate the scoring rate, suggesting instead that "Maybe some shots were wrong. It's part of cricket."

Shadman also noted the slow nature of the wicket, adding, "I think the wicket was a little bit slow. There was no movement in the morning but we threw our wickets away but hopefully we won't do that in the second innings."

He also pointed out the disruption caused by rain, suggesting it impacted their performance as batsmen were forced to restart after losing momentum.

"The batters need to get set again after a break. Maybe it played a role," he explained.

"No one wants to get out intentionally. Maybe it was a bad day for us," he added.

Defending the captain's choice to bat first, Shadman maintained that a total around 270 to 280 would be competitive on the slow pitch at the SSC.

He stated, "No, I haven't seen anything like that from which we can say that the decision was wrong [opting to bat first]. The wicket was a bit slow. I hope 270-280 is a good score. If we can bowl well, we will make a comeback Insha'Allah."

Shadman concluded optimistically, "If we can bowl in good areas, then we can make a comeback as there's help on the wicket."

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's bowling coach, Thilina Kandamby, expressed surprise at the wicket's behavior at the SSC.

He noted that the surface played unlike anything he had experienced in his 15-year career.

Kandamby explained, "It's quite an unusual wicket at the SSC. Normally, you get true bounce here, but today it was a bit two-paced. The pace and bounce weren't consistent, and the ball came off the surface slower than we expected."

He commended his fast bowlers, saying, "The fast bowlers really showed character. They picked up key wickets and kept us in the game."

Kandamby added, "They (fast bowlers) focused heavily on fitness and bowling workloads, and the coaches have monitored them closely. That work is showing now," expressing optimism for Prabath's return to form, stating, "Prabath is slightly out of form, but we believe in his experience. I'm confident he'll bounce back."