Jamie Siddons hinted that Tamim Iqbal might bat again, having retired hurt on Day 3 © AFP
Jamie Siddons, the Bangladesh batting coach, said on Tuesday (May 17) that he is impressed that his batters spent time in the middle against Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener at Chattogram. Aided by a host of dropped catches, Bangladesh ended the third day's play on 318 for 3, 79 runs short of Sri Lanka's first innings score.

Bangladesh came into the Test series against Sri Lanka on the back of two disastrous batting performances in South Africa, where they scored 52 and 80 runs respectively in the second innings of the two Tests.

Bangladesh's batting unit had to take the blame for not taking the patient route against South Africa but they put up an impressive display on Tuesday. Tamim Iqbal scored a brilliant hundred before retiring hurt on 133 runs due to cramp, and had put on 162 runs with Mahmudul Hasan Joy to set the tone for the home team.

Though Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto failed to capitalise, it was not the case with Mushfiqur Rahim (53 not out) and Litton Das (54 not out) as they led Bangladesh's strong reply with the bat.

"We made a mistake in South Africa, about not taking our time and letting them bowl too many overs to us. It was something we made sure we didn't do today. It was led by Tamim and Mushfiq. We just talked about batting for long periods of time to put a score on the board. Test cricket is not a race. Teams bowl with discipline like they did today, and we did in the first two days,'' Siddons told reporters after the third day's play.

"It takes time to put a good score on board. We talked about batting for six hours. Tamim was on his way to doing that. Mushy and Litton are on their way to doing it.

"I think with all the players, just tried to rebuild their confidence. South Africa was pretty devastating to be bowled out for 53 and 80. Then they had to front up against a really good bowling attack. I didn't have much to do with them apart from the last two weeks. Touching on little things but nothing more than building them up, talking to them about the discipline they need to play Test cricket. That's what they showed so far."

Siddons added that he was impressed with the way Tamim batted and hinted that his innings is not finished yet.

"Tamim's performance was fantastic and plenty of more runs left He's not out now and can come back in when we think he's fit. The discipline today is exactly what we asked for," said Siddons.

"After two days in the field and batting like he did in the heat. Running between the wickets it takes a lot out of you. I can understand that he cramped up. After a good night of taking some food and fluids, I think he will be fine tomorrow. Tamim was very disciplined today. He didn't go fast. He looked like Angelo Mathews actually. Very patient in taking ones when they were there. Only hitting fours when they were handed to him on a plate. He didn't really take on the bowlers like I have seen him before."

With a game still in hand, Siddons hopes that his batters will take the attack to the opposition on the fourth day of the opening Test.

"Litton scores quite quickly. We know what Shakib does. Tamim is still to come (again). We have some players who can put pressure on Sri Lanka tomorrow. They will be tired. We have given them a taste of their own medicine, keeping them out there in the heat. We will do it again tomorrow. I think we are 70-odd behind now, so we are well within striking distance in the first innings.

"The wicket is very good. I hope we can put a score on the board and hope there is a lot more turn on offer since we have good spinners who can put them under a whole heap of pressure,'' he concluded.