‘Batting to be key’ - Shakib sets challenge for batsmen

Spinners? Pacers? Bangladesh Test skipper Shakib Al Hasan felt that batting ability is what will make the difference between the two sides when Bangladesh face Afghanistan in a one-off Test tomorrow at Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Given the conditions, spin will play a key role in the outcome of the Test. During a press conference today, Shakib reminded that Afghanistan too have a strong spin attack meaning that any pitch that assists Bangladesh spinners will also favour their opponents.

"Whenever our spinners have gotten the opportunity, gotten wickets to their liking, they have performed well. But even after that, they [Afghanistan] too have quality spinners. I think what will set the teams apart is the batting," the skipper reiterated.

Shakib also pointed out that in modern Test cricket, it is not just about staying in the wicket. He suggested that every batsman find their balance between playing shots and also playing their natural game. It was a challenge the skipper wanted them to overcome.

"A batsman is never set until he scores runs. If you score 10 runs from 100 balls, you are not set. If you manage to play 100 deliveries and score 40 or 50, then you are set. Just staying at the wicket is not what today's Test cricket is about. It was like that before. Now you have to score runs. Both are important [scoring and staying at the wicket for a long time].

Shakib was overall satisfied with the preparation ahead of the match tomorrow.

"They have good pacers and spinners. Naturally a big challenge is waiting for our batsmen. I am full confidence in our batsmen. For the last two weeks, the way we have prepared, I feel it's not necessary to do more than that. Now it's about translating our practice in the field and if we do that then we can do well," the skipper concluded.