In the ongoing Kandy Test against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh have lost 15 wickets so far, and of them, 13 went to the Lankan spinners. The Lankan spinners put Bangladesh on the backfoot. Bangladesh batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto said they should play spin better if they really want to shine in Tests. In both innings of the Kandy Test, Shanto fell prey to the spinners. In the first innings, he was haunted by Ramesh Mendis, and in the second, he got dismissed by Praveen Jayawickrama. “It was tough to play against spin in this sort of tracks,” Shanto said in a virtual press conference after the day’s play. “There was much more spin than usual, but if we want to play Tests, we should play spin better.” Also read: Tigers have mountain to climb to save Kandy Test The first Test of the series ended in a draw when the bowlers got nothing from the wicket. A total of 17 wickets fell in the first game at the same venue. So it was expected that the hosts will provide a better wicket in the second match. “It’s normal that the bowlers will get substantial help from the wicket on the fourth day of a Test match. Most of us have had a good start to their innings but we failed to carry on. Had we lost three wickets, we would have a good chance in this game,” Shanto added. At the end of day four, Bangladesh need to score 260 in 98 overs to win this game or bat the entire day to save it with only five wickets in hand. Shanto believes that if Bangladesh can bat for two sessions without losing a wicket, they have something to get from this Test. Also read: Sri Lanka set 437 for Bangladesh to win in Kandy “We still have two batsmen in the wicket. If we can bat well in the first two sessions, we have something to think about this game,” he further added. In the first innings of the first Test, Shanto hit his maiden ton Test. But in the next two innings, he suffered a duck each before coming up with 26 in the third. His inconsistency cost Bangladesh a lot. “The important thing for me is not to be too happy because of success or not to be too broken because of failure. I have done badly in the last two innings after a good one. I failed to play a longer innings despite having a good start today (Sunday). I am not worried about these things much. I rather am looking forward to doing well when I get the next chance,” Shanto added.

Bangladesh lost five wickets for 177 runs at the end of the fourth day in Kandy Sunday while chasing 437 runs in the second Test against Sri Lanka. Ramesh Mendis and 22-year-old Praveen Jayawickrama, bagged three and two wickets to keep Bangladesh at bay. The Tigers will have to score 260 runs on the fifth day of the match to win the game or bat for the entire day to save it at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. All the Bangladeshi batters, who have already been dismissed, made a good start to their innings but failed to carry on against the quality spin of the hosts. Sri Lanka declared their second innings on 194 for nine securing a lead of 436 runs. Dimuth Karunarate scored 66 for the hosts as Taijul Islam took five wickets for the Tigers. Also read: Sri Lanka set 437 for Bangladesh to win in Kandy Bangladesh needed to make a good start to their second innings. But Tamim Iqbal managed to post 24 runs only. Saif Hassan, who has failed to shine in this series so far, scored 34. Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim also made a good start, scoring 26, 32, and 40 each, but none of them could fight back the Lankan spinners. At the end of the day, Bangladesh were batting at 177 for five with Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz unbeaten on 14 and 4. Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a mammoth total of 493 runs for seven in their first innings, riding on Dimuth Karunarate (118), Lahiru Thirimanne (140), and Oshada Fernando (81). Niroshan Dickwella, the wicketkeeper-batsman, remained not-out for 77. Read Also: Sri Lanka stretch lead over 400 as Bangladesh in more trouble Taskin Ahmed was the best bowler for Bangladesh taking four wickets for 127 runs, his best bowling figure in Tests. In reply to Sri Lanka's first innings, Bangladesh were bundled out for only 251 runs despite a 90 from Tamim Iqbal. Most of the batters had a good start but they failed to come up with the big innings. Mominul Haque perished on 49 and Mushfiqur Rahim scored 40, although the onus was on them to propel the Tigers to a safe position in this game. Praveen, who got the chance to play this game due to injuries or off-form other spinners, bagged six wickets conceding 92 runs, the best bowling figure for a Sri Lankan debutant in Tests.

Sri Lanka are leading by 259 runs against Bangladesh with eight wickets in hand at the end of day three of the second Test in Kandy. Bangladesh were bundled out for 251 runs in their first innings, replying to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 493/7 declared. With the lead of 242 runs, Sri Lanka chose to not impose the follow-on. They instead, took the field to bat and at the end of the day's play were 17/2 in seven overs with Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking one wicket each. Also read: Bangladesh staring at defeat as Jayawickrama takes six to trigger Tigers' collapse Earlier, Praveen Jayawickrama bagged six wickets to wrap up Bangladesh for 251 in their first innings. His six wickets for 92 is now the best bowling figures for a debutant Sri Lankan bowler. Bangladesh lost the last six wickets for just 37 runs, with most of the batsmen falling prey to Praveen's left-arm spin. The 22-year-old spinner completed his five-wicket haul scalping the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz during the 76th over. The right-handed batsman, who had recorded his maiden Test ton in the last series against West Indies at home, tried to clear the ball through the midwicket region but failed to execute it well and the ball hit his pad. Also read: Sri Lankan debutant has Tigers staring down the barrel Earlier, Tamim Iqbal and Saif Hassan made a good start of 98 runs for Bangladesh at the first wicket stand. Tamim was the highest run-getter with 92 while Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim ended up on 49 and 40. Along with Jayawickrama, Suranga Lakmal and Ramesh Mendis also did well, taking two wickets each. Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh lose two quick wickets at lunch, Tamim hits 3rd fifty Earlier, Sri Lankan openers – Dimuth Karunarate and Lahiru Thirimanne – hit a century each in the first innings of the match. Oshada Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella also did well with the bat, scoring unbeaten 81 and 77. For Bangladesh, Taskin bagged four wickets for 127 runs, the best bowling figure for the right-arm pacer, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam and Taiju Islam took one wicket each.

Bangladesh tumbled for 251 in their first innings of the second Test, conceding a huge lead after Sri Lanka declared their first innings on 493/7. With the lead of 242 runs, Sri Lanka opted to not impose a follow-on in Kandy. Praveen Jayawickrama bagged six wickets, which is the best bowling record for any Sri Lankan on debut and only the fourth time when a Sri Lankan took a five-for on debut. Bangladesh lost their last six wickets for just 37 runs, with most of the batsmen falling prey to Jayawickrama’s left-arm spin. Also read: Sri Lankan debutant has Tigers staring down the barrel Jayawickrama completed his five-wicket haul scalping the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz during the 76th over. The right-handed batsman, who had recorded his maiden Test ton in the last series against West Indies at home, tried to clear the ball through the midwicket region but failed to execute it well and the ball hit his pad to prompt the umpire to signal him out. Tamim Iqbal and Saif Hassan made a good start of 98 runs at the first wicket stand. They also had two fifty-plus partnerships at the third and fourth wicket stand. Tamim was the highest run-getter with 92 while Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim ended up on 49 and 40 respectively. Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh lose two quick wickets at lunch, Tamim hits 3rd fifty Along with Jayawickrama, Suranga Lakmal and Ramesh Mendis also did well taking two wickets each. Earlier, Sri Lankan openers— Dimuth Karunarate and Lahiru Thirimanne— hit a century each in the first innings of the match after choosing to bat first winning the toss. Oshada Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella also did well with the bat. They scored 81 and 77 not-out respectively. For Bangladesh, Taskin bagged four wickets conceding 127 runs, which is now the best bowling figures for the right-arm pacer while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam and Taiju Islam took one wicket each.

Bangladesh are struggling to avoid the follow on in Kandy, as Sri Lanka's debutant left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama, who earlier claimed Saif Hassan and Tamim Iqbal's wickets, removed Mushfiqur Rahim for 40 before the tea break of day three of the second Test. Praveen has kept Bangladesh on the back foot as the visitors still need 79 runs to avoid a follow-on with six wickets in hand. At Tea on day three, Bangladesh were batting at 214 for four in 61.4 overs with captain Mominul Haque unbeaten on 47. Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh lose two quick wickets at lunch, Tamim hits 3rd fifty Tamim and Saif made a decent start adding 98 runs in the first wicket stand after Sri Lanka declared on 493/7. But right before the lunch break, Saif fell prey to Praveen, scoring 25. In the last over before lunch, offspinner Ramesh Mendis removed Najmul Hossain Shanto. Tamim, however, was enjoying himself in the middle. He hit his third consecutive fifty in the series off 57 balls and was approaching his first hundred in this series but fell short by eight runs. Also read: Sri Lanka steady after Taskin's triple-strike Earlier, Sri Lankan openers – Dimuth Karunarate and Lahiru Thirimanne – hit a century each in the first innings of the match. Oshada Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella also did well with the bat, scoring unbeaten 81 and 77. For Bangladesh, Taskin bagged 4/127 - his best bowling figures in Test cricket, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam and Taiju Islam took one wicket each.

Bangladesh bowlers staged a middle-order collapse for Sri Lanka Friday, yet the unbroken 87-run seventh-wicket stand steadied the hosts before bad weather cut short the second day of the second Test in Pallekele. Niroshan Dickwella and Ramesh Mendis led the recovery for the hosts who finished at 469/6. The Lankans had scored 291/1 on day one. But the visitors posed a strong challenge on day two when the wicket offered more balance between bat and ball. Sri Lanka added 178 to their overnight total and lost five more wickets. At the end of day two, they were batting at 469 for six in 155.5 overs. Right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed has bagged three wickets in this game so far. He would have taken more wickets if the fielders were not so sloppy. Najmul Hossain Shanto missed at least two catches off Taskin. In the first session of the day, Bangladesh scalped three wickets and two of them fell prey to Taksin while the other one was hunted by Taijul Islam. After the tea break, Taskin scalped another wicket and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one. Lahiru Thirimanne, who remained unbeaten for 131 on day one, added only nine more runs before being edged to the wicketkeeper by Taskin. However, Oshada Fernando troubled the Tigers much after Thirimanne's removal. He ended up at 80 as the sixth wicket. The first Test of the two-match series ended in a draw as the wicket was flat and fruitless for the bowlers.

Sri Lankan openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne hit centuries on day one of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kandy on Thursday. Riding on their centuries, Sri Lanka were 291 for one in 90 overs at stumps. Karunaratne was the first and only batsman to get dismissed. For Bangladesh, debutant Shoriful Islam scalped the only wicket. Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam bowled well but without success. Also read: Karunaratne brings up a ton after being dropped by Bangladesh At the end of the day, Thrimanne and Oshada Fernando remained not-out for 131 and 40 respectively. Earlier, Karunaratne was dropped by Najmul Hossain Shanto at slip when he was on batting at 28. At Tea, Sri Lanka were 188 for none in 58 overs with Karunaratne and his opening partner Lahiru Thirimanne batting at 108 and 80 respectively. Also read: Sri Lanka off to cautious start as Bangladesh miss early chances It was the 12th Test hundred for Karunaratne, the highest by any active Sri Lankan player. The wicket looked fairly dead in this Test so far. It was flat and bowlers had nothing to get from the track in the first Test as well. The International Cricket Council has rated the wicket as below average due to its failure to provide a balanced opportunity to the batsmen and bowlers. The ground has been awarded one demerit point as well. Also read: Sri Lanka bat first, Shoriful makes Test debut In the first session of the day, Bangladeshi bowlers were more disciplined, but in the second, they seemed to be a bit random and aimless. The first Test of the series ended in a draw, where Karunaratne had smashed a double-ton. Bangladesh’s Najmul and Mominul Haque had also hit a ton each. Bangladesh made one change in this game including debutant Shorfiul Islam to replace Ebadot Hossain while Sri Lanka made two changes adding Lakshan Sandakan and Chamika Karunaratne to their squad to replace Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka. Chamika Karunaratne made his debut with this game.

Sri Lankan Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne brings up his second consecutive Test ton in the second and final Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh in Kandy on Thursday.  He was dropped by Najmul Hossain Shanto at the slip region when he was 28. Karunaratne exploited the chance of hitting  a ton. Also Read: Sri Lanka off to cautious start as Bangladesh miss early chances  At the Tea break of the first day, Sri Lanka were batting at 188 for none in 58 overs with Karunaratne and his opening partner Lahiru Thirimanne were batting at 108 and 80 respectively.  It was the 12th Test hundred for Karunaratne, the highest by any active Sri Lankan player.  The wicket looked fairly dead in this Test as well. In the first Test, the wicket was flat and bowlers had nothing to get from the track.  The International Cricket Council has rated the wicket as below average due to its failure to provide a balanced opportunity to the batsmen and bowlers. The ground has awarded one demerit point as well.  Also Read: Sri Lanka bat first, Shoriful makes Test debut In the first session of the day, Bangladeshi bowlers were more disciplined, but in the second, they seemed to be a bit random and aimless. The first Test of the series ended in a draw, where Karunaratne had smashed a double-ton. Bangladesh’s Najmul and Mominul Haque had also hit a ton each.  Bangladesh made one change in this game including debutant Shorfiul Islam to replace Ebadot Hossain while Sri Lanka made two changes adding Lakshan Sandakan and Chamika Karunaratne to their squad to replace Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka. Chamika Karunaratne made his debut with this game. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitch used in the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as "below average." In a press release sent to the media on Wednesday evening, the ICC said match referee Ranjan Madugalle called the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch in Kandy "substandard." So, the venue has received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. Also read: Rain forces early close of high-scoring Kandy Test "The character of the pitch hardly changed over five days. There was no shift in the balance between bat and ball as the game progressed," Madugalle said. "The pitch remained batting-friendly throughout, resulting in a total of 1289 runs scored in the match for the loss of 17 wickets at an average of 75.82 runs per wicket, which is very high. So, in keeping with the ICC guidelines, I rate this pitch as below average," he added. Madugalle's report has been forwarded to Sri Lanka Cricket. Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh declare posting a mammoth score Both Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque and head coach Russell Domingo have criticised the wicket, too, saying it was not the wicket that they had expected ahead of the game. Dimuth Karunaratne, the hosts' captain, also said they were expecting a better wicket.  The second and final Test of this two-match series will commence tomorrow at the same venue.

For the 2nd and final Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday announced an unchanged 15-member squad.  The 2nd Test will commence on Thursday at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.  The first Test of the series ended in a draw as the wicket was flat and fruitless for the bowlers. Bowlers of both teams together were able to take only 17 wickets in five days.  Also Read: Bangladesh expect a better wicket in 2nd Test But this time around, the participant teams are expecting a better wicket which would be helpful for all.  Also Read: BD vs SL: Najmul, Mominul fall as Bangladesh pass 400 Meanwhile, Saif Hassan failed to impress with the bat in the first match as he scored only one run in two innings. Despite this failure, the team management relied on him once again and kept him in the squad. However, it’s not clear if he will be included in the playing XI.  Bangladesh squad for 2nd Sri Lanka Test: Mominul Haque (Captain), Litton Das, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Abu Jayed Rahi, Taijul Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Saif Hassan, Yasir Ali, Shoriful Islam