SL vs BAN | Five bowlers will help Bangladesh pick 20 wickets, says spin coach Rangana Herath

A hot and humid Day 1 at Chattogram saw Sri Lanka hold a slight advantage over Bangladesh in the first Test of the 2-match series. In a divergence from their norm, the hosts opted to play a five-man bowling attack, which helped them after the visitors opted to bat first. Rangana Herath, Tigers' spin coach, believes that five specialist bowlers would help his side pick up 20 wickets in the match.

According to Cricbuzz, Herath said, "I always believe that if we have five bowlers in a Test, it will help us take 20 wickets. With or without the heat, it makes life easier for the bowlers. It gives a bit of rest for others."

As per expectation, Bangladesh fielded Shakib-Al-Hasan, who was declared match fit last evening, bowled 19 overs for 27 runs, picking up the wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva in the process. Herath quipped that Shakib added a much-needed balance to the attack, and he is looking forward to an all-rounder's performance in the Test.

"I was 100 per cent confident that he will deliver even without practice. We don't get too many players of his calibre. Even without much practice, he was on his mark with his first ball. It is very good for his confidence. He (Shakib) bowled very well today, he was the most economical bowler. Shakib gives us balance when he is around. Otherwise, we need to find someone who can bat and bowl." Herath pointed out.

The left-arm spinner also praised his young bowling unit. Nayeem Hasan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two key wickets in his 16 overs. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam was used the most, having bowled 31 overs in the day.

"Especially on the first day of a Test match, I am happy with how the bowlers did. Shakib and Taijul bowled well. Nayeem also took two wickets. He hasn't played much cricket in the last 18 months but he has been practicing a lot. In that case, I saw that he needed a bit of confidence, but when he got that wicket off the first ball, his confidence (was restored)," Herath explained.

Sri Lanka at stumps on Day 1 were 258 for 4, with Angelo Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal batting on 114* and 34*, respectively.