2nd Test
Andre Adams expresses the frustration over missed catching opportunities on Day 1.
Bangladesh pace bowling coach Andre Adams acknowledged that the home team was bearing the brunt of dropped catches as Sri Lanka concluded Day 1 of the second Test on 314 for 4.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy missed an opportunity when Nishan Madushka was on nine in the sixth over of the day.
Madushka capitalized on the chance, eventually reaching 57 and forging a crucial 96-run partnership with Dimuth Karunaratne after Sri Lanka chose to bat.
Karunaratne had a fortunate escape when he survived a run-out on 18, and Shakib al Hasan dropped his catch on 22 during the post-lunch session.
Karunaratne seized the opportunity and went on to score 86 runs.
“Dropping catches will continue to haunt us if we persist in doing so.
Similar to the Sylhet Test, we experienced periods of pressure but not sustained enough.
To compete at a high level, we must maintain excellence for extended periods,” Adams expressed to reporters following the conclusion of the day’s play in Sylhet on Saturday.
“Any cricket team will struggle if they drop catches.
While our ground fielding has been commendable since my arrival in Bangladesh, dropping catches early in the innings can prove costly,” he noted.
“We’ve had too many missed opportunities.
We’re addressing the issue, but drops continue to occur unintentionally.
We must persist in our efforts to rectify this aspect of our game,” he emphasized.
Adams also stressed the importance of an improved bowling performance from Bangladesh on Day 2 to turn the tide in the match.
“Tomorrow morning, we need to bowl exceptionally well, surpassing today’s performance and maintaining it for longer durations.
With two formidable batsmen at the crease and another quality player to follow, we must apply pressure effectively,” he urged.
“We’ve witnessed in the past that failure to maintain high standards for extended periods allows the opposition to seize control,” he cautioned.
Adams also urged caution in the team’s use of reviews, citing Bangladesh’s poor track record in this aspect.
“It’s a matter under discussion.
Our review system hasn’t been effective thus far.
We need to develop a more discerning approach, which falls primarily to the captain and wicketkeeper, possibly involving input from the point fielder,” he explained.
“I believe our decisions have been driven more by emotions than facts.
We must avoid frivolous reviews.
However, players shouldn’t hesitate to challenge decisions when warranted.
We simply need a more strategic approach,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan opener Karunaratne expressed disappointment at falling short of a century despite laying a solid foundation.
“It’s always disappointing to miss out on a hundred after putting in the hard yards.
I strive for big scores, but that’s the nature of cricket; centuries don’t come every time,” Karunaratne lamented.
“Batting isn’t easy here.
Unlike previous years where pitches were flat from the outset, there’s early movement for fast bowlers here, making it challenging initially,” he observed.
“Once the ball loses its shine, scoring becomes easier.
While the spinners bowled well, they didn’t find much assistance on the first day.
However, conditions may favor bowlers as the match progresses,” he anticipated.
“The pitch offers more assistance now, with turn and seam movement visible from the outset.
We might see increased turn from day three onwards, indicating a result-oriented wicket,” he concluded.
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