Tigers hope to bounce back

Bangladesh will take on Pakistan today in the second Test of the two-match Test series, hoping to bounce back following an eight-wicket defeat in the first Test in Chattogram.

The game, set to get underway at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at 10:00am, is also Bangladesh's second match in the latest cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC).

The Tigers' bid to improve their Test character in the new journey will be buoyed by the return of ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the T20I series and the first Test against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury.

Even though the Tigers suffered a defeat in the first Test, there were a few positives to take. Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim found runs with the bat that instilled some confidence in the dressing room while Taijul Islam made a mark with a seven-wicket haul in the port city.

Along with Shakib, the return of Taskin Ahmed also made the Tigers' bowling attack more potent. However, Taskin, who returned after a finger injury, will be assessed in the morning today before the team management makes their final call regarding including Taskin in the playing eleven.

However, the nature of the Mirpur pitch once again remained in focus yesterday during Mominul Haque's press conference. Captain Mominul said he was hoping for a flat track and not a usual spinning top.

Asked if his team were up for improvement in the second Test and looking to get a result, Mominul dictated it was important to start well.

"Ofcourse [looking for a good result]. In Tests, the first hour is very important. Batting is our strength and if we can bat six sessions, we can comeback in the game."