Comeback men shine

In a rare episode of Tigers dictating terms, Shamsur Rahman, right, and Imrul Kayes scored centuries. The right-left combination put on a superb 232 runs for the second wicket on the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Chittagong yesterday. However, Bangladesh failed to build on the solid platform and could only mange to avoid the follow-on mark. Photo: Anurup Kanti Das

It was a day of comebacks at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. It first saw Bangladesh's latest entrants to the side, Shamsur Rahman and Imrul Kayes, bring the hosts back into the game with their maiden centuries. It then witnessed Ajantha Mendis, playing his first Test in eleven months, take crucial wickets to put the hosts on the back foot.
Bangladesh's top order has almost perennially been a problem, but it was a different scenario yesterday with Shamsur, playing in only his second match, and Imrul -- returning to the Test arena after more than two years -- sharing a 232-run stand for the second wicket. In doing so they displayed their eagerness to seal a spot in the line-up.
There were, however, anxious moments. Both were given chances on the field. They also admitted going through nervous moments in their 90s.
“It was at the back of my mind. I was thinking what would happen if I miss out? So at that point of time I kept myself strong and was successful,” said Shamsur at the post-day press conference.
Kayes, who was dropped and caught off a no-ball in the same over when on 95, had a similar response.  
“I was nervous after lunch. I was in my 90s and I did not want to make a mistake. It felt better once I got the first run after that,” he said.
While the centuries were no doubt a boost for the team, both batsmen throwing away their wickets after reaching three figures contributed to the side's mini-collapse late in the day.
“We both had planned to play as long as possible even after our hundreds. But it just suddenly happened. It was not turning as much and they were bowling it full and I tried to play my shot; it was a bad decision,” said Shamsur.
Kayes, who got hit on his chest on Wednesday and later pulled a hamstring after he got out yesterday, stated that the physical toll had gotten to him.
“I actually had plenty of painkillers before coming in to bat. I had to be mentally strong and it was difficult. I did play a bad shot and I kept admonishing myself, saying 'how could I do that!?'” said Kayes.
While the batsmen were disgruntled about giving away their wickets, Ajantha Mendis was on cloud nine after a fighting performance. He bowled both centurions and also took two late wickets to put the visitors back in the driving seat.
“Really happy with my performance. It was a good wicket for batters, so I stuck to the basics. Just stuck to bowling my line and length and happy that I got the wickets,” said Mendis.
Asked if the dropped catches were demoralising, he replied, “Can't help it. Maybe the guys were a little tired today. But its okay, it happens, you can't catch everything,” he said, adding that the visitors still believe they can win this Test.
After a brief fight-back from the hosts, the question remains whether they can still save the game. Shamsur's reply, after more than a little consideration, reflected the uncertainty in the camp. “I think that if there is no accident, then there is a chance of getting a draw.”