Bangladesh seek revival after first Test flop

Bangladesh are looking for an all-round improvement as they attempt to bounce back after their massive defeat in the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka when the second and final match starts in Chittagong tomorrow.
The hosts were annihilated by an innings and 248 runs inside four days in Dhaka last week, having been bowled out for 232 and 250 in good batting conditions in which Sri Lanka piled up 730-6.
Mahela Jayawardene led the way with an unbeaten double-century and two others scored hundreds as Bangladesh conceded their highest Test total in another morale-sapping loss.
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said his team-mates had put the setback behind them and looked forward to playing a good Test on a good pitch at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium.

"Everyone was a bit down and sad after the loss in Dhaka, but they are fine now and focused on the next match," Shakib said. "Matches can go bad, but coming back is very important.
"We have come back from situations like these before so we have that experience. But we have to improve in all aspects, especially the fielding."

Shakib said each of the high-scoring Sri Lankan batsmen, including Jayawardene, were let off in the field through dropped catches or missed stumpings.
"Had we grasped those opportunities, they may not have scored more than 500 runs," he said. "And there is plenty of difference between 500 and 700. Those extra runs made it even more difficult for us."

Sri Lankan veteran Kumar Sangakkara expected another match-winning performance by his team, but refused to take victory for granted.