Drama could unfold at any moment in this Test: Salahuddin

Bangladesh finished the opening day of their first Test against West Indies at a decent position, reaching 213 for three after 74 overs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Despite the solid platform, batting coach Mohammad Salahuddin warned that drama could unfold at any moment in the five-day affair.

Opener Shadman Islam remained unbeaten on 99 alongside Litton Das on 10 not out when umpires called for stumps early due to fading light.

The opening day brought several surprises, with the Windies starting strongly by troubling batters through early seam movement and uneven bounce.

Salahuddin acknowledged that the pitch offered assistance to the bowlers who hit the right areas.

“I think there is something in this pitch for the bowlers. They can get a lot of help from the surface if they bowl well,” Salahuddin said in the post-day press conference.

Reflecting on the top-order performance, he noted that the team could have fared better during the initial phase.

“I think our batters are handling the conditions quite well, though our top order could have done a little better. Had we been able to handle the initial period, I think we could have been in a better position. However, I would say that being three wickets down at the end of the day is probably a decent position for us. We did well in the final session,” he added.

The Tigers regrouped steadily after losing early wickets, including opener Tanzid Tamim, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, and experienced campaigner Mominul Haque, while Tawhid Hridoy had to leave the field due to cramps in the scorching heat.

Addressing the upcoming phases of the match, Salahuddin stressed that tomorrow's start will dictate the momentum.

“I would say that drama could unfold in this Test at any moment. A lot will depend on how we play tomorrow, how we start the day and how we bat in the first session,” he explained.

Offering an update on Hridoy, the batting coach expressed hope that the middle-order batter would recover fully to resume his innings on the second day.

“I think he will have fully recovered by tomorrow and will be able to bat properly again,” Salahuddin said.

“I think there is a very good chance of a result in this Test. It will depend on how both teams start tomorrow. I think both teams will be looking to hold on to their positions,” he concluded.