DHAKA, March 30, 2024 (BSS)-Bangladesh fast bowling coach Andre Adams emphasized on to be excellent for longer period on the ground in a bid to competitive in the Test match.

His comment came after Bangladesh squandered a chance to dominate Sri Lanka yet again in a Test match.

Sri Lanka which won the first Test by 328 runs despite being reduced to 57-5 on Day 1 morning session, started the second and final Test with a bang, reaching 314-4 today at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

But on flat deck, Bangladesh bowlers, specially debutant Hasan Mahmud bowled a probing spell to create some chances, which the fielders could hold on to it.

"We created chances in the morning, but didn't capitalise on those. Similar story in the first Test where we took five wickets in the first session," Adams said after the Day 1 play.

"I thought Hasan was excellent. Dropping catches will continue to cost us if we keep doing it. Like the Sylhet Test, there were periods of pressure but not for long enough. For us to compete and be excellent, we need to be excellent for longer."
Sri Lanka opener Nishan Madushka was dropped on 9 when Mahmudul Hasan Joy put down a straightforward chance off Mahmud at second slip. Later he made 57.

Another opener Dimuth Karunaratne was also lucky to survive when he top-edged Mahmud's delivery but Shakib fumbled the ball over the boundary line to give the batter a six.

"You will struggle if you drop catches in any game of cricket. Our fielding is impressive since I have joined Bangladesh. Our ground fielding is excellent. There's been some excellent catches. However when you drop a catch early, you can pay the price," he remarked.

"We have dropped too many catches. We are working on it. Nobody means to drop it. They are doing the work, but they are dropping catches. We have to continue to work on taking catches."

But Hasan Mahmud's excellent work earned the plaudits from Adams.

"I think he (Hasan) has bowled really well. He controlled his line pretty well. His pace was good. He is ready physically. He has to bowl the same throughout the day. The only way to do that is to play at this level. I think he is an exciting bowler. He got seam movement. He has got swing and pace. Everything you want from a young pace bowler."

Adams believes Bangladesh still can bounce back in the game had they bowl well on Day 2 morning session.

"We have to bowl really well tomorrow morning. Much better than today, for longer periods. They have two very good batters at the crease. They have one more very good player. Then we can put some pressure on them. We have seen in the past that if you are not good enough for long periods, they will take the game away from you."