Shakib's batting form concerns Bangladesh ahead of India Test: Details
Bangladesh cricket team is facing concerns over the batting form of their star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, ahead of the crucial Test series against India, starting September 19. Despite his impressive bowling performance, the 37-year-old has been struggling with the bat recently. During the tour of Pakistan, he managed to score just 38 runs across two matches with an average of 19 and a top score of 21 not out. Here we present further details.
Shakib's batting woes extend to County Championship
Shakib's batting struggles extended to the County Championship as well. Representing Surrey in a County Championship Division One match against Somerset at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, he could only muster 12 runs in the first innings before being dismissed by Jack Leach. This underwhelming performance has added to Bangladesh's worries about their key player's form with the bat.
Selector Sarkar expresses confidence in Shakib's form recovery
Bangladesh selector Hannan Sarkar acknowledged Shakib's batting issues but expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back. "Shakib is not in rhythm. Form is very important, and he isn't in form," Sarkar stated during a press conference. However, he believes that given Shakib's stature as a player, it's only a matter of time before he regains his form.
Five Test fifties for Shakib in three years
In his last 20 Test innings, Shakib has managed to score five half-centuries for Bangladesh. However, these 20 innings spread across from July 2021 to August 2024. Overall, Shakib owns 4,543 runs at 38.50 in Test cricket. He has five tons and 31 fifties.
Shakib Al Hasan claims nine-wicket match-haul for Surrey
Shakib secured a nine-wicket match-haul in the County Championship Division One for Surrey against Somerset. Shakib managed four wickets in the first innings as Somerset scored 317 runs. Surrey responded with 321. Somerset folded for 224 in their 2nd innings. Shakib took a five-wicket haul. As per ESPNcricinfo, playing his 106th match in First-Class cricket, Shakib has surpassed 350 wickets. He now owns 351 scalps at an average of close to 30. He claimed his 25th five-wicket haul.
