Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto blamed poor batting and ineffective spin bowling for his side’s 1-0 series defeat against the West Indies, admitting that they failed to execute their plans despite months of preparation.I think it’s disappointing. We should have won this Test match. We didn’t bat well in the first innings, which cost us this Test match. Overall, it’s also disappointing. We’re not consistent with the bat, not enough collective play. We have been planning for a few months, but we didn’t execute the plans. The spin bowlers didn’t bowl well,” Shanto said during the post-match presentation ceremony.It was undoubtedly a frustrating outcome for Shanto and his men, who struggled to maintain the momentum gained from their historic Test victory in Darwin in subsequent matches against Afghanistan and the West Indies.Bangladesh managed to salvage a draw in the second Test of the two-match series after bad light forced an early end to the final session on the fifth day at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.The West Indies, however, clinched the series 1-0 following their eight-wicket victory in the Mirpur Test.Shanto had good reason to single out the spinners, as player of the series Jomel Warrican finished with 16 wickets, while Bangladesh’s three spinners managed only as many wickets combined, a difference that proved costly for the hosts.
The Bangladesh skipper, however, praised his pace bowlers and reserved special appreciation for player of the match Towhid Hridoy, who followed up his unbeaten 242 with an 82-run knock in the second innings.The good thing is the way the pace bowlers bowled. Hridoy – we all know how good he is in white-ball cricket. He was also impressive after the first match. Very happy with him and hope he can continue like this,” Shanto said.
Hridoy, meanwhile, said he tried to learn from his mistakes and credited former Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim for inspiring him.I learn from the mistakes. To be honest, from my childhood, I follow Mushi bhai [Mushfiqur Rahim] and he’s my idol. I talk with him and I tell him, if you think anything, let me know. I want to see the ball and just play according to it. I just try,” Hridoy said.
Bangladesh are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings.
Looking ahead to the challenging tour of South Africa, Shanto expressed confidence that his experienced players would be able to adapt to the conditions.
“It’s difficult [going into the SA tour] and I believe some of the guys are experienced and can cope up with the conditions. I can assure that this team will go forward,” he said.
