We got batters who got in, but challenges ahead, says Bangladesh batting coach

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh batting coach David Hemp on Saturday acknowledged that the team's batting performance improved in their second innings compared to their first. However, he cautioned that the Bangladesh batters still face significant challenges against India's high-quality bowling attack in the first Test in Chennai.
India has taken a commanding position in the match with Rishabh Pant (109) and Shubman Gill (119 not out) scoring impressive centuries on the third day.

The hosts have set an imposing target of 515 runs for Bangladesh to chase.
In their second innings, Bangladesh managed to show some determination, reaching 158 for four before bad light brought an early end to the day's play. They still need 357 more runs to secure a win.

"The difference with the second (innings) is we got people that got in, so they faced balls. It's all about scoring runs, and you're looking to score, so that hasn't changed," Hemp said during the post-day press conference.
"We got tested or players got tested early on in their innings around the stumps more, and that was a big difference. Obviously, we're playing against India, who possess some quality bowling, a very confident side, especially playing at home. So, you're going to be challenged."

The third day saw favorable batting conditions, with less heat and a pitch that remained supportive.
Captain

Najmul Hossain Shanto

was unbeaten on 51 off 60 balls at stumps, with star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan on 5 not out keeping him company.
Hemp expressed some regret over the first innings, where the batters struggled to establish themselves.
"Obviously, we were in a really good position against India in the first innings, but building on that was unfortunate. I certainly believe the skill level within our group was good enough to deal with a certain number of balls."
"I think the difference between the first and the second innings was obviously ball space. So, I think the Indian bowlers certainly challenged the stumps really well in the first innings, and they knocked people over."
"So, when we sit back and look at it, review the game whenever that ends, that certainly would be a discussion point in terms of how can we improve our performance because that's what we want to do."
In terms of bowling, Shakib, despite his reputation, has yet to take a wicket in this Test. Hemp dismissed any rumors of the 37-year-old suffering from a finger injury.
"No, not aware of that at all, sorry," he said.
Hemp remarked that the pitch at Cheapuk is still favorable for batting and expects his players to continue performing well on Sunday.
"In terms of days to bat, it's still a good wicket. Today, we've seen that (Ravichandran) Ashwin obviously got a couple of balls to bounce quite significantly."
"But, if you still miss, you can still score. So for us tomorrow, it's still a reasonable surface," he signed off.