Walsh satisfied with pacers

South Africa Invitation XI recovered from an early hiccup to put up a good fight on the second day of the three-day practice match at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni yesterday but the effort from the Tigers' pacers was praised by their bowling coach Courtney Walsh.

The home side declared their innings at 313 for eight in 91 overs in reply to Bangladesh's 306 for seven declared after they lost half their wickets for 110 runs as their lower middle order provided strong resistance against the Bangladesh bowling attack.

Wicketkeeper batsman Liton Das came to open the innings with Imrul Kayes in the second innings as the Tigers were forced into a new opening partnership after Tamim Iqbal suffered a strain on his right thigh on the opening day and underwent a scan yesterday. The openers negotiated the three remaining overs of the day successfully as Bangladesh reached six for no loss at stumps.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim used all four pace bowlers at his disposal and they all picked up wickets to initiate the early collapse. Mustafizur Rahman and Subhashis Roy claimed one wicket each and they were economical while Shafiul Islam, who scalped two, and Taskin Ahmed, who got one, were both expensive. Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also bagged a wicket each.

Walsh expressed his satisfaction over his bowler's effort.

"It's okay. It's the first game out and it's the last game before the first Test, so we are going to get the workload right and to get them into shape to see who is ready and who is not and what we have in terms of the game plan for the first Test.

"It's good to get a game out, to get a bit bowling and we have some practice sessions and we will keep working. It's hasn't been too bad but it would be better if there was some consistency," said Walsh.

The West Indies great once again emphasised on control and consistency.

"Control and consistency are going to be key. As a team the guys are hoping to play some good cricket and if we can all chip in and support then it will be good. My main aim is for consistency and to show good control. Then we can take it from there," he added.