||CF Correspondent||

The batsmen are largely being blamed for Bangladesh’s recent debacle in the longer format as they failed to cross the 200-run mark in eight consecutive innings and continuing in the same manner in the upcoming Test will only add to their woes.

Bangladesh Test captain Mahmudullah Riyad admits that their batting is a concern and thinks that they don’t need to go into their shell and should come up with a positive approach instead to turn the table.

“Batting is our real concern. In this area, we are not doing well in Tests as we do in other formats. But if we think too much then the pressure will be on us. We will try to play our natural game. We will have a good chance if we can do that,” he said.

According to him, the batsmen need to play according to their strength in the series-deciding second Test against Zimbabwe.  

“Slow wickets are always tough. Scoring runs on a slow wicket is a bit difficult. It’s not like the ball will come to the bat and you can play the shots. You have to play very sensibly. You have to play different shots against different bowlers, according to your strength. Now we have to wait and see how we apply ourselves,” he said.

There were voices raised regarding Mushfiqur Rahim batting at number six in the opening Test against Zimbabwe considering Bangladesh are playing without two of their leading batsman – Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, who are nursing their respective injuries.

Mahmudullah hinted that there is a possibility of few strategic changes but denied any chances of Mushfiqur getting up the order in the batting line-up.