Mushfiqur all praise for Bangladesh bowlers

Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim is delighted over how the Bangladesh bowlers attacked South Africa's world class batting line-up in the first Test here.

Bangladesh's revamped bowling unit deserved the acclaim from their skipper after bundling out the Proteas for a measly 248 in the first innings, reports bdnews24.com.

Mushfiqur was very disappointed over their lacklustre show in Tests against Pakistan and India. But his reaction after the first Test was very different at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Saturday.

"I wouldn't have been unhappy if they took just two wickets after bowling well in this Test. This (the way they bowled in Chittagong) is the way of bowling in Tests," said Mushfiqur after rain forced a draw in the first Test.

The 28-year-old lauded the mental approach of his young bowling unit.

"No one plays Tests for a draw. So you have to keep the method intact, doesn't matter if you are bowling against Zimbabwe or any other team," said the skipper.

Young Mustafizur Rahman has been a revelation for Bangladesh. The teenager has provided the solution to the problems in their pace attack while hardworking Mohammad Shahid is giving him fine support.

Mushfiqur believes Mustafizur will be as successful in Tests as he has been in One-Day Internationals (ODI).

"He learns very fast. He has already realised that to take wickets in Tests, he has to bowl well consistently and create pressure. He himself said picking up wickets in ODIs is somewhat easier compared to Tests. If the wicket offers no help, it becomes much harder," said Mushfiqur.

The 19-year-old's 4/37 played a pivotal role in bowling the tourists out for under 250. The commanding show from the bowlers provided a huge confidence boost to the batsmen who matched their resolve with gritty batting display to score 326 on the sluggish track.

But Mushfiqur is aware that expectations are soaring after Mustafizur's increasingly impressive contribution and huge influence on the bowling attack. Shahid, too, stunned Mushfiqur with his spell after lunch on the first day. The skipper admitted that he had rarely seen such bowling on such wickets.

Although the 26-year-old right-arm pacer remained wicketless in the Test, he and leg-spinner Jubair Hossain piled immense pressure by pinning South African batsmen at the crease with some superb bowling.

At one stage, Shahid bowled 51 consecutive dot balls with seven maidens on the trot. Hashim Amla and his men crumbled under pressure and lost their last nine wickets for just 112 runs.

"His spell was astonishing for me. Not only Bangladeshi bowlers, but I don't think any bowler in the world has done that too often. I've rarely seen such bowling on flat wickets like this," said Mushfiqur.

Imrul Kayes grassed two catches at first slip off Shahid who beat the outside edge numerous times on the first day. "Shahid must be credited for how he bowled according to a plan. (He) could've taken a wicket. But he was unlucky. I hope he will not lose heart and will keep creating chances like this."

Shahid conceded 34 runs in 17 overs that included nine maidens.

The last match of the two-Test series will begin at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on July 30.