Tough task for Tigers

Perhaps the biggest test of the two-Test series awaits Bangladesh on the fourth day of the second Test against Australia as the visitors are leading by 72 runs with a wicket in hand.

It will be a test of temperament, nerves and mindset of the Bangladesh players in the second innings, a stage that the Tigers have always been below par.

In the third innings of a Test Bangladesh have a poor track record with the bat – they have been bundled out below hundred on four occasions in 101 Tests before this one. They have been out below 200 on 27 occasions, while having a completed innings of 200-plus 23 times. They have won on three of the latter occasions – against West Indies in 2009, England in Dhaka last year and in the first Test of the current series, when they scored 221 in the third innings of the match. 

The Tigers have managed to post over three hundred eight times in their third innings and have declared their third innings six times.

The highest third innings total for Bangladesh was against Pakistan in Khulna two years ago when they posted 555 for six courtesy of a record partnership between Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes with Tamim striking his maiden double-ton, while Imrul scored 150.

The reason behind digging into Bangladesh's second-innings history is because they have a daunting task ahead against the Aussies on a pitch that has started to produce huge turn and with the pressure of saving the Test match as well.

In the ongoing two-match Test series none of the Bangladesh batsman were able to score a century, although Shakib Al Hasan scored 84 in the first innings at Mirpur and Tamim hit two seventies in the same Test.

The Bangladesh batsmen may look to the way David Warner adapted to the conditions in taking cues on how to play on this pitch. Warner's second successive century was in high contrast to his first a week ago in Mirpur as he was uncharacteristically sedate in compiling a 235-ball 123 over the second and third days in Chittagong.

The dashing left hander took 15 deliveries on 99 before reaching his 20th Test hundred, which was also his slowest century, coming off 209 balls.

The 30-year-old, despite being an explosive cricketer, had to change the style of his batting to adapt to the situation and according to him it was his best hundred in terms of temperament.

He also had to put aside his ego as he has the ability to blast any bowler in the world; he played sensibly when it mattered most, especially having come on tour with a poor track record in the subcontinent.

However, it should also be mentioned that the defensive filed setting allowed Warner to take singles at will, a favour unlikely to be extended by the Australian captain when Bangladesh come out to bat. The situation and conditions will be even tougher than Warner faced.

From Tamim to Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib and Sabbir Rahman all have to realise the fact that this pitch will definitely challenge the batsman. But then again Bangladesh have to pass the hurdle and look to change their poor second-innings record to overcome that.

It won't be an easy task but less mistakes and proper approach might help the Tigers to achieve their fourth ever series win, even if the Test ends in a draw.