Rain frustrates Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah

Mirpur (Bangladesh), Aug 2 - Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah is irritated by the weather playing spoilsport in the Test series against South Africa.

The two-match series is on the verge of a draw as rain washed away three consecutive days in the Test here after having the final say in the first match in Chittagong, reports a news website.

"It is naturally frustrating when play is abandoned three days in a row after getting on the field with plans and mental preparation of playing five days. We have come to play. It's all wasted if playing is what we cannot do -- playing good or bad comes later," Mahmudullah said here on Sunday.

A drawn series against the top-ranked Test team will see Bangladesh earn points. But Mahmudullah prefers playing rather than bagging points in this fashion.

"I would have enjoyed playing more than getting six points. It would have been very useful for us if we could play the whole five days in both the matches, regardless of win or loss. It is because we would be playing against the world's best team. We could have gone over our skills," said the batsman.

No Bangladesh batsman could score a century in their last four Tests. They could not stretch their innings despite making good starts. Mahmudullah believes getting out after settling down is a crime in Tests.

The hosts had 18 scores of 30 or above in last four matches with Shakib Al Hasan top-scoring with 89. Five batsmen with scores of 30 or above went back prematurely on the first day of the Test as Bangladesh slumped to 246/8.

"Everybody is feeling this (as a problem). Because the first 20-30 runs are hard to get, then it is time to play naturally. Some got out scoring 20-30, 35-40. It is a crime in Test cricket," Mahmudullah said.

Only seven of their batsmen scored half-centuries in those four matches. Most of them were unable to convert the starts into bigger innings. It would be a major concern for Bangladesh.

"We have to identify the problem... and then overcome it. I hope we achieve that soon," he concluded.

(IANS)