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Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz admitted that the visitors were surprised with India's over-aggressive batting approach on Day 4 of the Kanpur Test on Monday, September 30. He stated that their bowlers tried to squeeze runs, but all of India's batters came out with a positive intent.
Despite two days of play being completely lost due to rain and a wet outfield, India made a bold attempt to try and force a result in Kanpur. After bowling out Bangladesh for 233 in their first innings, they batted for only 33.4 overs and scored 285-9 declared. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 72 off 51 balls, while KL Rahul contributed 68 off 43 deliveries.
Speaking to the media at the end of the fourth day's play, Mehidy Hasan conceded that Bangladesh were caught slightly off guard by India's aggressive batting approach. He said (as quoted by Cricbuzz):
"Actually they played with a good plan and yes I was surprised. After two-three overs we were thinking that they had a plan. We just played to our strength and tried to restrict the damage to our innings.
"In Test cricket you can see different scenarios and the way the game turned out it looked like T20 cricket. They planned to come here and play for a win and everyone from top to bottom played for runs and we tried to squeeze the runs," the 26-year-old went on to add.
The Bangladesh all-rounder also admitted that they are not thinking of winning the Kanpur Test as of now. He explained that their main motive on Day 5 will be to bat for as long as possible to try and ensure a draw first. Mehidy Hasan said:
"We need more time if we want to play for a win. We have one day left, we will have to give them a target and then take 10 wickets. For now, our safety is more important than thinking about a win from here. We will try to bat for a long time tomorrow. If such a situation arises, then we may play to win. We are thinking about ourselves first."
Even as India's batters went on a rampage on Day 4 at Green Park, off-spinner Mehidy Hasan and left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan picked up four scalps each for Bangladesh.
"We could not give him support" - Mehidy Hasan on Mominul's ton
Mominul Haque, who was unbeaten on 40 on stumps on Day 1, carried on his good work with the willow and notched up an impressive century. He struck 17 fours and a six in his 107* off 194 balls. However, he did not get a lot of support from the other Bangladesh batters. Mehidy Hasan agreed and commented:
"The first innings is very important for Tests and Mominul bhai really batted well we could not give him support and if we could give him support in that case the game could have been different and it would have been better for us."
At stumps on Day 4 in Kanpur, Bangladesh were 26-2 after 11 overs in their second innings. Shadman Islam was batting on seven, while Mominul was yet to open his account.
