adminmorning session with better bowling than on the first day.
What also became apparent was the different mindset of both overnight batsmen Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor.
Resuming their partnership it seemed as if all the spark had gone out of the innings as they appeared more than happy to survive instead of take advantage of a pretty good position they had got themselves in to at the close of play.
However, Bangladesh seemed to take to the field with a definite spring in their step and their bowling changes and field placings were well thought out.
The lengths of the Bangladesh bowlers were also very impressive.
On the first day they were intent on banging the ball in to the pitch instead of pitching it up.
They also didn’t make their batsmen play enough which led to them wasting the new ball.
Looking at the middle order it immediatly became apparent that had there been more on offer for the left arm spinners, Zimbabwe’s woes would have continued as the left arm spinners Abdur Razzak, Shakib Al Hasan, as well as Mahmudullah, had the beating of Craig Ervine, Elton Chigumbura and even Tatenda Taibu, Zimbabwe’s most accomplished player of spin, on a few occasions.
One also hopes that the seamers around the country had a long and hard look at Robiul Islam, who bowled 12 overs on the trot without taking a breather.
How many of the current and upcoming Zimbabwean seamers would be able to do that? Less than a handful is the answer.
Even though the home side would have been a little disappointed with the middle order, who not for the first time, failed to deliver, they will be reasonably happy with their first innings total though one can’t help but think that if Masakadza and Taylor hadn’t become as becalmed as they did, you may have seen the captain register three figures for the first time in his short Test career.
One very positive observation was the body language and intensity of Zimbabwe when they took to the field and it came as no surprise when Brian Vitori accounted for both the Bangladesh openers in a spell of highly impressive bowling.
His sustained aggression and control has undoubtedly justified the selectors choice in picking him.
Bangladesh will be happy with their progress and, in particular, the discipline shown by Nafees and Ashraful when leaving tempting deliveries outside the off stump.
Though Raymond Price will be delighted with the wicket of Nafees who seemed well set for three figures.
Online Reporter