Siddons backs Tamim, Shanto despite unforced errors

Bangladesh batting consultant Jamie Siddons reckons that Tamim Iqbal and Najmul Hossain Shanto played their natural game today in Gqeberha but their nature of dismissals were uncalled for.

"I have spoken to two of the [dismissed] left-handers about their dismissals already. It is a form of dismissal that shouldn't happen with the bloke [Wiaan Mulder] coming around the wicket," said Siddons in the press conference after second Test's second day's play today while adding that the aforementioned issue is not too big of a concern.  

"We need to work on that. It is a mental and technical mistake that can be easily rectified," said the Australian.  

The Tigers were 82 for one, at one stage, with Tamim and Shanto in the middle, replying to the Proteas' 453-run total in their first innings. However, once the 79-run stand between Tamim and Shanto was broken, Bangladesh stuttered their way to 139 for five at day's close of play.  

Tamim was the first to depart for 47 with a strike-rate of around 82, uncharacteristic of a top-order batter featuring in Test cricket. Siddons, however, thought his old student played as expected.     

"Tamim's innings is pretty natural for him. Every time I have seen Tamim bat, either in Test cricket or ODIs, he is quite aggressive early. Then he settles into his game. 

"I think he played the fast bowlers really well and only hit the balls that were bad. I don't think he played too many rash shots against the spinners."

It was the thought of reaching the fifty landmark which contributed to Tamim's downfall, according to Siddons.    

"I think Tamim was looking for a four to bring up his fifty. He forgot how he was playing the whole innings. He was playing beautifully straight, and not putting his pad across.

"His aggression, taking the fight to the bowlers, was excellent. It relaxed our change-room. I thought he played well for 47. It would be nice if he went on with the game though," Siddons opined.

Asked if it is justified for all batters to play their natural, aggressive game, the Australian said:

"Not everyone is encouraged to play their own game. If they see a ball that's there to be hit, they are encouraged to play aggressively."

"I didn't see him [Shanto] playing rash shots against the spinners. He was in control. I think he's a good puller and that's his natural game," Siddons said further while adding that he is still getting to know the young crop of players, the likes of Shanto, Joy and others, as he is still analysing how they approach Test cricket.