Shadman shines on comeback

Left-handed opener Shadman Islam is among the few cricketers who is labeled a Test specialist for the Tigers given his ability to stay at the crease for a long period of time.

He did prove his worth after his debut against the West Indies back in 2018, scoring 76 runs in the first innings. More importantly, he faced 199 balls for that knock.

But the scenario was totally different this time around as he struck a second Test fifty upon making a comeback to the side against the same opposition yesterday.

"Obviously it feels good to be back in the side and I tried to give my best for the team. It would have great if I could have converted that into a big one," Shadman told the media after the end of the first day, with the hosts on 242 for 5.

The 25-year-old recovered from a wrist injury and missed two Tests against Pakistan and Zimbabwe last year following a string of failures in the couple of Tests prior to that.

The team management had to wait till the morning of the Test to decide whether they would add another opener, right-handed Saif Hasan who made his debut in the absence of Shadman.

He showed his hunger during this period and despite the glitz and glamour of the limited-overs domestic competitions that took place in that time, Shadman opted to work silently at Fatullah.

Shadman's hard work seems to be paying off and he faced the Windies pacers with a lot of patience.

Despite losing his experienced partner Tamim Iqbal early on the innings, Shadman displayed great maturity while facing short-pitched deliveries angling into his body.

Shadman reached his second Test fifty off 128 balls and just when it looked like the left hander had the opportunity to make it big, he departed in an unfortunate manner.

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican trapped him leg before while he attempted a sweep. Replays later showed that the ball would go on to miss the leg sump by a distance, but Shadman opted not to take a review.

"Obviously taking a review was on but I felt that the ball was in line and would go on to hit the stump. That is the reason I didn't take the review and obviously, I was disappointed once I went to the dressing room. I think it's part of the game and we have to accept it," he said.