The ongoing second Test match between India and Bangladesh in Dhaka ebbed and flowed in different directions on December 24 (Saturday) as the hosts turned the tables on the visitors with four quicks wickets in the final session on Day 3. Often termed as the moving day, Day 3 produced edge-of-the-seat entertainment as both teams landed heavy punches in order to gain ascendancy. After Bangladesh set a target of 145 runs on tricky wickets, Indian batters failed to tackle spinners and gave a window for Shakib Al Hasan's team to make a comeback into the Test match. KL Rahul's men lost four wickets in the final session and ended Day 3 with a score of 45/4 on the board, needing 100 more runs to win the game.
With the game on a knife edge, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj reckons that the team needs one batter to get set and overhaul the target.
"I feel, we shouldn't think too much now because we have lost just four wickets. We need around 80 (100) or so. We need just one batter to get set, Axar is showing right intent," Siraj said during the press conference.
"Yes, we lost two wickets extra but Axar is set, he is showing good intent. We also have Rishabh (Pant) and Shreyas (Iyer) after that, so we shouldn't think too much," he added.
Chasing a target of 145 runs, India endured a horrendous start with captain Rahul (2 run off 7 balls) once again faltering with the bat as Shakib found the outside edge of the Indian batter's willow. Trouble mounted on India when Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed in-form Cheteshwar Pujara (6 runs off 12 balls). On 12/2, India needed a small partnership to ease some nerves but that didn't happen. Shubman Gill (7 runs off 35 balls) was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan, who soon after sent Virat Kohli (1 run off 22 balls) back to the pavilion, leaving India tottering at 37/4.
Axar Patel, who walked out to bat at No.4, made a handy contribution of 26 not out off 54 balls and he along with Jaydev Unadkat (3 runs off 8 balls) took India to stumps.
"Sending Axar is management's call. I feel if there is a lefty and righty batter, then it will be difficult for the bowlers to adjust. So, I think because of that this call was taken," Siraj reflected on the management's decision to promote Axar.