Shadman Islam's resilient and determined comeback

Shadman Islam's long-awaited return to Test cricket after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus was marked by a determined innings that nearly culminated in a century.

However, his vigilant resistance at the crease ended just seven runs shy of the milestone as he was bowled for 93 by Pakistan's Mohammad Ali on the third day of the Rawalpindi Test. 

This dismissal was particularly significant as it was the third instance in the match where a Pakistan seamer, bowling around the wicket, managed to nip the ball in from a full-ish length and breach the defence of Bangladesh's left-handed top order.

He faced 183 deliveries, hitting 12 boundaries, as he laid a solid foundation for Bangladesh, who reached 199 for 4 by the tea interval, still trailing Pakistan's first-innings total by 249 runs.

Throughout the day, Shadman exhibited a blend of caution and aggression, carefully choosing his moments to accelerate. He brought up his half-century with a pulled four off Naseem Shah, just before the lunch break, signaling a shift in momentum as the ball began to lose its shine and batting conditions became easier. 

In the second session, he picked up the pace, moving swiftly from 64 to 93 in just 25 balls, striking six boundaries along the way. However, his innings ended abruptly when Ali's delivery, which nipped back in, found its way through Shadman's defence as he attempted a push-drive away from his body.

Despite falling short of a century, Shadman's innings was a crucial one for Bangladesh.

His return to the Test side was unexpected, given that he was not initially included in the playing XI. However, an injury to opener Mahmudul Hasan provided him with an opportunity, which he seized with both hands, displaying the qualities that have made him a valuable player in the longest format of the game.

Sadman has always been a player who prefers the traditional form of cricket, focusing solely on Test matches and shunning the shorter formats. His dedication to Test cricket is evident in his methodical approach to batting, which has seen him set records in domestic cricket.

In March 2023, he spent an incredible 11 hours and 14 minutes at the crease while scoring his maiden double century in Bangladesh's first-class cricket, a record that underscores his ability to endure and outlast bowlers.

Shadman Islam, who made his Test debut at 23, comes from a cricketing family, with his father, Shohidul Alam, being a key BCB official. Despite assumptions that his father's position eased his path, Shadman earned his place through performance, notably after impressing in a BCB XI match against the Windies. Raised around cricket, Shadman received valuable guidance from his father on building a disciplined career."How to play, how a cricketer needs to lead his life, he tells me all those things even now and I try to implement what he says," Shadman shared. 

On debut, he faced 198 deliveries and scored 76 runs, showing remarkable composure both on the field and during his first press conference, reflecting the calmness he exhibited while batting.

Though he has often been on the fringes of the national team, overshadowed by the emergence of other openers like Zakir Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan, Shadman's performance in Rawalpindi has reminded everyone of his capabilities. 

His last Test century came in July 2021 against Zimbabwe in Harare, and today's innings offered him a chance to end that nearly three-year drought. Unfortunately, the elusive century slipped away, but his knock was still a testament to his resilience and skill.

As Bangladesh continues to fight in this Test match, Shadman's innings will be remembered as a significant contribution, not only for the runs he scored but for the example he set in patience, determination, and the art of Test match batting.