Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 1st Test, Day 2: Taylor in record score
Captain Brendan Taylor marked Zimbabwe`s Independence Day with a record-breaking score, but Bangladesh`s bold reply with the bat allowed them to end day two of the first Test with the initiative.
|Last Updated: Apr 19, 2013, 10:02 AM IST|Source: Bureau
Harare: Captain Brendan Taylor marked Zimbabwe`s Independence Day with a record-breaking score, but Bangladesh`s bold reply with the bat allowed them to end day two of the first Test with the initiative.
Taylor`s 171 formed the backbone in a Zimbabwean total of 389 all out, before Bangladesh responded positively to go to stumps on 95 for one with Jahurul Islam unbeaten on 38 and Mohammad Ashraful on 23 not out.
Taylor`s eight-hour epic was also the highest Test score by a Zimbabwean captain, eclipsing Andy Flower`s 156 against Pakistan at the same Harare Sports Club venue in 1995, and the eighth best by any Zimbabwean.
Batting coach Grant Flower, who played 67 Tests for Zimbabwe and scored a double-century himself, rated Taylor`s knock as one of the finest in his country`s history.
"It was definitely up there around the top," said Flower.
"He showed amazing application, and I think he changed his game -- especially yesterday -- to the type of wicket he was playing on.
"There`s always been a lot of pressure on him as one of the best batsmen in the side, if not the best, which is pretty similar to what Andy`s situation was."
Taylor had shared in a century stand with Malcolm Waller on the first day, and enjoyed another one with Graeme Cremer on the second to keep Zimbabwe ticking along -- albeit at a slow scoring rate.
After resuming on their overnight total of 217 for four, with Taylor on 105, the hosts lost Elton Chigumbura and Richmond Mutumbami in quick succession at the start of the day`s play before Cremer provided sturdy support in a 107-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Although Taylor and Cremer departed in the space of three deliveries, with the latter dismissed for 42, Keegan Meth and Shingirai Masakadza prolonged the innings by adding 21 runs apiece.
Whereas Zimbabwe had batted cautiously for the majority of their innings, with the run-rate never rising above 2.7 per over, Bangladesh`s openers opted for a more aggressive approach.
"We thought that the wicket looked a bit better after the first session yesterday, and that it`s a really good pitch now," Enamul Haque said.
"We can still win this match if we think positively."
While their approach nearly led to a dismissal in the first over when Jahurul was dropped at third slip by Cremer off the bowling of Kyle Jarvis, it unsettled the rhythm of Zimbabwe`s bowlers and ensured a brisk start.
Jarvis did enjoy success when he induced a leading edge from Shahriar Nafees that was snaffled by Timycen Maruma at point, but the fast bowler was also guilty of bowling too full and conceded 39 runs in his eight overs.
AFP
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.