Batters fail to make hay of starts

On a wicket that was still good for batting, Bangladesh batters were guilty of playing rash shots and throwing away their wickets in the first innings as India bowlers put their team in the driver's seat after the opening day of the second and final Test in Dhaka yesterday.

Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin got four wickets each but there is a feeling that many of their wickets resulted from unforced errors. The Tigers had the right idea on this wicket though, hoping to post a commendable total after winning the toss.

Openers Zakir Hasan, despite getting an early life, combined with Najmul Hossain Shanto to give the hosts a steady start, playing out almost 15 overs. However, back-to-back breakthroughs saw India back in business.

Zakir was undone by extra bounce from Jaydev Unadkat and caught at slip before Shanto padded one away from off-spinner Ashwin, but only for the umpire to raise the finger.

There were five partnerships of at least 39 among top six Bangladesh wickets, the highest being just 48, and that had made the difference. All top seven batters got starts but only Mominul Haque looked composed during a 157-ball stay with a fluid 84.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan promoted himself up the order to number four but his approach lacked responsibility. More acutely, choosing to go after Yadav on the first ball after lunch had led to his dismissal, much to the frustration of batting coach Jamie Siddons.

After Mominul departed as the ninth wicket, Bangladesh managed just 227, having lost the last five wickets for 14 runs.

"It is disappointing as senior players are making mental errors. Straight after lunch, the bowler is also going to be rusty. He could have got some bad bowling if he stayed in the crease. It was his decision. It was frustrating for me to watch players make those mistakes," Siddons said.

He was disappointed with the sudden change in approach. Liton was guilty of playing one nonchalantly on the up while Mehedi Hasan Miraz slashed at one when a partnership with Mominul could have set the tone.

"We seem to change our game, go up a gear. They walk off shaking their heads, (thinking) 'why did I do that?', but they have to take that responsibility. They have to stay in the same gear for six hours," the Tigers batting coach remarked.

India negotiated eight overs, reaching 19 without loss with KL Rahul surviving a leg –before with a review. Taskin Ahmed looked good during the early spells and Bangladesh now look to start the second day while hoping the bowlers can produce something special.