Shakib: Batting for three hours is more important than hitting a century
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Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan believes that considering the prevailing circumstances, it is more important to bat for three hours rather than score a century.
Bangladesh were at a dangerous stage 34-4 at stumps on the fourth day and they still need another 107 runs to ward off an innings defeat.
"Batting for three hours is more important to the team than hitting a century. If they (Liton-Mushfiqur) can play till noon, and if I can bat for three hours that will be more important for me," said Shakib at the press conference.
Shakib is well aware of the Sri Lanka pacers and admits that if Bangladesh loses more than one wicket in the first session, it will be difficult for them to come back into the game.
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"If we lose more than one wicket before lunch, we will be in bad shape. So, the first session is very important. But when two batsmen are set on this wicket, it is difficult to get them out. Their real threat are the pace bowler,”
“Their pace bowlers can bowl 5-6 overs. How long will they be able to bowl in this summer? The two may be able to bowl a maximum of 20 overs before lunch. It will be much easier if we can handle them. The ball will get old, the bowlers will be tired, the batsmen will be set,” Shakib added.
Shakib further said that Bangladesh are one of the fittest teams in Tests, however, he admitted that they lack the mentality to do well.
"We are extremely fit physically. We probably bowled over 400 or 450 overs in three innings of the two Tests so far. Had we not been physically fit, Liton [Das] could not have scored 141 after keeping the wicket for over 450 overs. Mushfiqur [Rahim] Bhai also would not have scored 170. So, our problem is a mental one,"
"We need to work on our mental aspect. Probably we fear that we will do badly in a game. But if we think vice versa then a better outcome can be expected," he added.
