Wickets a concern

The one thing that has been absolutely obvious in the third season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is that the wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur tends to wear down a bit during the evening matches.

The difference in statistics of matches played in the day compared to those played in the evening -- both of which are played on the same wicket -- have been evident.

We have seen matches where totals like 187 and 176 have been chased down with ease during the day, whereas the day before yesterday Barisal Bulls successfully defended 108 in the evening.

According to ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, there is a chance for scores to further decrease as the tournament progresses.

"There are two matches everyday and the curators are probably not getting enough time to prepare the wickets. So day-by-day the wicket is getting worn down. The wicket is getting slower and lower," said Shakib after his side's thumping 69-run win over Dhaka Dynamites.

"In the afternoon it's a fresh wicket so the ball comes to the bat well. As time passes, the wicket gets slower, so it becomes a little difficult to bat in the later games," he added.

When asked if he expects the wicket to get more difficult towards the end of the tournament, Shakib said, "I think so. But we just have to adjust to this and make our team combination accordingly. Like today we had around 8 to 9 proper batsmen in the side."

Dhaka Dynamites opener Shamsur Rahman echoed Shakib's sentiments.

"The wicket was a bit slow. I think it was dangerous to bat against the spinners," said Shamsur.

'I HAVE NO ENERGY IN MY BODY'

Shakib hasn't had the best of games since his return from America. While he did scalp a four-wicket haul in the game yesterday, he still seems a bit on edge with the bat. Shakib admitted that he was struggling but was confident of a comeback.

"Actually I have no energy in my body. I played 15-16 balls yesterday and out of them three to four deliveries should have been hit for sixes. After coming here I still have a bit of jetlag. I am also a bit sick as I am suffering from dysentery and flu.

"You can't do many things when you don't have energy and that's why I am struggling. I may have scored 25, but I didn't bat well. It's going to take some time. That I am not able to practice in between the matches doesn't help much, but it will eventually come. Thankfully though my bowling is going well,” he added.