Bangladesh's Shadman Islam backs Mahmudul Hasan Joy for this feat
What's the story
Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam has backed his teammate Mahmudul Hasan Joy to become the highest individual scorer in Test cricket for their country. Joy, who is unbeaten on a career-best 169 in his comeback Test against Ireland at Sylhet, is just 50 runs shy of breaking Mushfiqur Rahim's record of 219 runs set against Zimbabwe in 2018. Here are further details and key stats.
Anticipation
'I hope and pray that Joy can give us'
After the second day's play, Shadman expressed his hope that Joy would score even bigger. He said, "Alhamdulillah, Joy batted very beautifully. He is still there. So, I hope and pray that Joy can give us an even bigger and better score." The duo had put together a 168-run opening stand with Shadman scoring a fluent 80 off 104 balls.
Training
Shadman reveals why he went to Australia for training
Shadman also opened up about his decision to go to Australia earlier this year for one-on-one sessions with former Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. He said, "Basically, the main reason for going there was to use their conditions, like the pitch in Sydney." However, he clarified that his training didn't include any outdoor net sessions against local pacers due to rainy weather.
Reflection
Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan on Bangladesh Test
Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan admitted it was a "pretty challenging day" for his side as Bangladesh took control of the first Test. He said, "There were periods, especially in the middle of the day, where we controlled things nicely but we didn't start as well as we wanted." Malan acknowledged his team's inexperience and stressed that they need to improve in certain areas and come back strong.
Stats
Mahmudul could become 4th Bangladesh batter with a double-hundred (Tests)
Mahmudul is currently Bangladesh's 11th-highest scorer in Tests. He is 31 runs shy of a double-century in Tests. He could become only the 4th Bangladesh batter with this feat. Mushfiqur leads the tally with three double hundreds. Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are the other two batters to hit double centuries for Bangladesh.
Summary
Bangladesh are 338/1 at stumps on Day 2
Bangladesh are 338/1 at stumps on Day 2. Mahmudul has racked up 169* from 283 balls with 14 fours and 4 sixes. He is currently batting alongside Mominul Haque, who is unbeaten on 80. The two have stitched an unbeaten 170-run stand for the 2nd wicket. Earlier, Shadman hit 80 runs from 104 balls with the help of 9 fours and a six. The Tigers lead Ireland by 52 runs.