Shakib Demands Stronger First-Inning Batting to Challenge 'Unstoppable' India

On Thursday, Bangladeshi veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said that improving their first-inning batting will help the side do better against India in the upcoming (second) test. 
 
India routed Bangladesh by 280 runs in the inaugural Test at Chennai and a huge factor in that defeat was the visitors’ 149 all out in their first innings in response to India’s 376. 

"I think in patches we played well in Chennai, but finishing the match in three and a half days isn't ideal for us," Shakib told the press in Kanpur on Thursday. "We felt like we are a better team than that. Tomorrow, we have another opportunity, and we must show our potential in tomorrow's match.

“If I talk about batting only, there was improvement from the first innings to the second. In the first innings, we were bowled out for 150, but in the second innings, we scored around 250. In the next Test match, if we can score 350 or thereabouts, that will be a huge improvement. Scoring 350 to 400 in the first innings will give us confidence and boost our team."

Shakib said that their first-ever Test series win over the Shaheens was because of the difference in experience between the two sides, but stated that the same doesn’t apply to India. 

“I think Pakistan is a relatively young and inexperienced team. If you look at the matches they've played and compare it to our team, we have more experience, and in Test cricket, that's a massive factor," Shakib said.

"If I talk about India, they are the number one team at the moment and are probably unbeatable at home. They are doing well outside as well, but at home, they are unbeatable. Any country finds India difficult, and we are no different. We have to play well to show the fight we feel we can put up," he added.

"I think India is the toughest tour these days. Other teams may lose one or two games, but we hardly see India losing Tests," he said.

Shakib also said that they aren’t too bothered about the pitches, as competing against a team like India implies the outcome will depend more on skill and execution rather than on conditions. 

"Pitches don't matter much against teams like England, Australia, and India. They have weapons to attack us - quality batsmen, fast bowlers, and spinners. I don't think the pitch will have any effect. We have to perform better than we did in Chennai," Shakib concluded.