Team India might have failed to claim a wicket in the first session on Saturday (December 17) in the opening Test against Bangladesh but bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said the visitors were rewarded for being patient on a placid track.
Chasing 513 to win, Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan (100) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (67) frustrated the Indian bowers for the entire opening session and stitched a 124-run stand for the first wicket.
However, the tourists pulled back things in the last two sessions as they reduced Bangladesh to 272/6 at stumps on Day 4.
“Batting was becoming easy. But we didn’t give away freebies. It’s because of our good bowling in the first session, we were rewarded in the next two sessions,” Mhambrey told reporters after the close of play on the fourth day.
“It was all about being patient as we knew wicket was going to be easy and it would be hard work (for us). The focus was on hitting the right areas, create the opportunities, even while when there’s a half chance.”
Earlier, India declared their second innings at 252/8, setting an improbable target for the hosts in the fourth innings.
“We knew we had enough runs on the board, had the cushion of a big lead. There was no panic whatsover. The dressing room environment was calm.”
“We pulled back picking six wickets next two sessions make little inroads. We still have to be patient. Overall I’m very happy with the way we bowled,” the bowling coach stated.
Left-arm spinner Akshar Patel was the stand-out bowler for India on Day 4, returning with the figures of 3 for 50 in his 27 overs.
“What really stood out with Akshar was the pace that he bowled with. It’s not easy for the batters to step out to him, also the angle he created and the way he released the ball.
“It’s very difficult for the batters to decide whether to leave it or play it, especially where the ball was turning a little bit, you have to play those deliveries, and that’s where he stood out for me,” Mhambrey said.
Kuldeep Yadav made a dream comeback to Test cricket after nearly two years as he picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings.
“It’s lot of work that he has put in. People were discussing about his speed, he’s slower in the air. Credit goes to him, he has made changes to his run up, angles… It allows him to be little quicker in the air. He has been unfortunate last few years, got a knee injury and got hit in nets when he returned,” Mhambrey said on Kuldeep.
(With PTI inputs)
