Bangladesh Test skipper Shakib al Hasan said on Sunday that he is disappointed with his team's catching that let them down in the series-concluding second Test against India.
Catching lapses are considered to be one of the weakest links in Bangladesh Test game, and it was no different in Mirpur where India earned a three-wicket win over the hosts to sweep in the two-match series part of ICC Test Championship.
Bangladesh dropped three catches and an easy stumping while Mominul Haque dropped a regulation catch of Ravichandran Ashwin at forward short-leg when he failed to negotiate a turning delivery of Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The hosts were well on top until that dropped chance considering the fact Ashwin (42 not out) turned the game in his team's favour by stitching an undefeated 71-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer.
"It is slightly disappointing (missing catches). Other teams don't miss the chances that we are missing. They made the difference. We could have bowled them out for 250 instead of 314 (in the first innings). There was a chance in the second innings, but it is part of cricket," Shakib told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
"We fielded well in the T20 World Cup. We fielded well in the ODI series, but we couldn't do it in the Test match. Maybe due to lack of concentration or fitness," he said.
"We have to find out how to better concentrate for longer, and avoid making mistakes. Other teams don't give so many opportunities. We miss regulation stuff. Our bowlers have to create 13-14 chances to take 10 wickets. Other teams have to create nine chances to take 10 wickets," he added. Though Shakib was disappointed with the fielding, the skipper insisted he's happy with the overall performance and mentality of the team and mentality. Shakib also credited the Indian lower-order for handling the pressure so well.
"I think Ashwin and Iyer both batted well on a pitch that wasn't easy. Credit to them. I think we tried in every which way. We fell slightly short, somehow.
"There's no regret. I think we fought well in the whole Test. If we continue having this mentality in future Tests, we will get better results.
