New Delhi: Senior Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was on a rescue mission with the bat after the visitors faltered against India on the second day of the first Test at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He made 32 runs from 64 balls with the help of five boundaries before getting dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja in the 31st over.
Although Shakib played some magnificent shots against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, one thing that caught everyone’s attention was the 37-year-old biting a black string attached to his helmet. Not once but numerous times the visuals of Shakib holding the strap while batting in his cameo were displayed before the television screens.
Why is Shakib @Sah75official playing with a strap in his mouth?@JioCinema @JioCinemaTweets pic.twitter.com/tIHXPZRjqH
— Kartik Verma (@krazzzykartik) September 20, 2024
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, during his on-air commentary stint for the official broadcasters Sports18, explained the reason behind Shakib’s strange act of biting the strap of his helmet. Karthik said that Bangladesh player Tamim Iqbal told him that by biting the string of the helmet, Shakib tries to keep the helmet close and avoid it from falling on the surface while playing.
Tamim is currently part of the commentary panel for the official broadcaster in the English team. The former Bangladesh captain announced his retirement from all formats of cricket in July last year, but later reversed the decision after being insisted by then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He is yet to feature in a game for the Tigers since September 2023.
How Bangladesh batting order collapsed?
After Ravichandran Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86) guided India to a sublime 386 in the first innings, the Indian pacers dictated the terms. Bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah cleaned up opener Shadman Islam in the first over.
Akash Deep, who is playing in his second Test only, rattled the stumps of Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque to leave the visitors at 26 for 3 before the lunch break. Siraj induced the edge of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto as Virat Kohli completed the catch in the second slip.
Bumrah removed Mushfiqur Rahim to reduced the tourists at 40 for 5. Litton Das and Shakib got into a rescue act with 51-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Das holed out to substitute fielder Dhruv Jurel off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. Shakib was also dismissed by Jadeja while attempting a reverse-sweep but played on his boot before it lobbed in the air for Pant to grab it. Bangladesh were batting at 130 for 8 after 42 overs in the second session.
Although Shakib Al Hasan played some magnificent shots against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, one thing that caught everyone’s attention was the 37-year-old biting a black string attached to his helmet. Not once but numerous times the visuals of Shakib holding the strap while batting in his cameo were displayed before the television screens. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
