He was stranded on 82 when Bangladesh's second innings folded on the third morning. He might have gone all the way to a magical hundred had there been support at the other end. But he was still very happy with what he claimed to be his best knock in his brief Test career.

"It is certainly the best innings given the conditions and the quality of bowling that I have faced," said 19-year-old Aftab to the Bangladeshi reporters.

The Chittagong right-hander said that he had talked to his mother over phone on Saturday night and promised to bat as long as possible if not score a hundred.

"My target was to carry on and take the total to somewhere so that England had to bat again. But it did not happen. Still, the innings and the other two fifties would definitely help the others to believe that we can score runs," said the little right-hander with a boyish smile on his face.

There was also praise for Aftab from England captain Michael Vaughan.

"There was a little boy and he played a shot which I thought had reached the castle," said Vaughan while referring to his pull shot against Flintoff with which he reached his 50.Vaughan was pointing at Lumblee Castle at the northern end of the stand.

Whatmore was very happy with the performance of his 'blue eyed boy'.

"It's wonderful. We all know what he is capable of. He has got tremendous ability. He is blessed with that ability and that's why it is frustrating when he gets out early for people sitting and watching. He could be a match-winner."