Spinners leave it late
Although Bangladesh still have the upper hand on the West Indies after the third day of the first Test with a 217-run lead, the hosts will be keen to post a big target on the fourth day.
Despite left-arm spinner Taijul Islam dismissing Nkrumah Bonner with the very first ball of the day, things did not go the way the Bangladesh team management would have hoped since.
Bangladesh were unable to create pressure, especially the three spinners in the form of Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam bowled short and wide.
Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite and debutant Kyle Mayers utilised the opportunity as the West Indies struck 18 fours and a six in the first session, with the pitch in Chattogram remaining on the slower side with a hint of turn.
Skipper Mominul Haque pushed the fielders with the intention of stemming the flow of runs, but there were also some attacking moments.
"Obviously we can say this is a spinning track. But since the positive start to the day, we, the spinners, were unable to bowl consistently in good areas. I think the first session went bad for the spinners and if we could bowl in the right areas, the results would have been better," Taijul told the media at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
"But still, we have a lot of time and it's part of cricket. Maybe it's because of becoming acclimatised since we are making a comeback in Tests after a long gap."
Apart from the bowling, Bangladesh were also unable to grab opportunities in the field. Nazmul Hossain Shanto dropped a rather straightforward catch at first slip off Joshua Da Silva when he was on 24 as he went on to score 42 runs and added 99 runs for the sixth wicket with Brathwaite.
Yasir Ali, who came on as a substitute for Shakib Al Hasan, also missed a couple of opportunities, at short leg and silly mid-off, which hurt the Tigers in crucial situations.
However, Bangladesh did manage to make a comeback by riding on the spinners. Mehedi ended up picking four wickets while Taijul and Nayeem bagged two each as the Tigers staged a dramatic comeback in the last hour before tea.
The spinners picked up the last five wickets in just 23 balls at the cost of only six runs as the visitors folded for 259.
A lot will depend on the pitch too, which has not turned till the end of the third day. But according to Taijul, the pitch might get more difficult for the batters on the fourth day. He also added that a lead of 300 to 350 runs in the second innings would be enough for Bangladesh to win the Test.
"It's actually tough to say but it's natural that it may become difficult for the batsmen on the fourth day. The spinners can take more advantage from the pitch but To do that it will be important to bowl in the right areas consistently," Taijul said.
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