Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam responded to his critics in emphatic fashion on Monday, claiming his 16th Test five-wicket haul on the opening day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Chattogram.
The 33-year-old left-armer, who came under fire after a disappointing showing in Bangladesh’s three-wicket defeat in the first Test in Sylhet — where he managed just two wickets, the joint-lowest return for a spinner in the match alongside Zimbabwe’s Wessly Madhevere — delivered a strong comeback performance.
After Zimbabwe elected to bat first, Taijul helped reduce the visitors to 227 for 9 at stumps, reaffirming his pedigree in his 53rd Test appearance. Facing the media afterwards, Taijul did not shy away from addressing the criticism he received following the Sylhet Test.
“I think those who criticise a player who has played so many matches after watching just one match don’t understand the game,” Taijul said.
While defending his overall record, the veteran spinner was also candid in admitting that his performance in Sylhet had fallen short of expectations.
“There is a matter of being satisfied. It’s not a good thing, the way I bowled in Sylhet, considering that I’m a player who has played 50 Tests,” he reflected. “It feels good to be able to bounce back after that.”
Taijul’s strong showing on Day One has given Bangladesh the upper hand as they seek to level the two-match series.