More Difficult to Bat at No-3 Than Playing as an Opener Kayes

More Difficult to Bat at No-3 Than Playing as an Opener Kayes

Bangladesh's opener Imrul Kayes admitted that he is finding it difficult to bat at No.3 in Tests but is trying to adjust to the new role since that is what is planned and asked of him by the team management.

Imrul, who replaced Mominul Haque in that crucial position during the last Test against Sri Lanka, is likely to retain his place at three in the opening game of the two-Test series against Australia. Mominul, who could not make the cut initially in the 14-member squad for the opening Test against visitors, was included after Mossadek Hossain was ruled out for eye infection. However, chances are slim that will make the playing XI at Mirpur on August 27, come the first Test.

"I think it is more difficult to bat at number three than playing as an opener," Imrul told reporters on Tuesday (August 22). "But I have to adjust with that. I batted at number three in the last Test match I played in Sri Lanka. I have talked with the coach and he told me to bat at number three. I have been batting in the nets keeping that in mind," he added.

The 30-year-old added that the management is trying to make this change in the batting order after Soumya Sarkar proved his credentials at the top. "I think the team management has a plan and that's why I am at number three. Soumya has done a lot better at the opening position in the last few matches," he said.

Imrul, who enjoyed most of his international success as an opener, pointed out that he becomes impatient after being padded up as that is not something he is used to in his career. "I become very impatient to go to the field when I pad up for batting in the dressing room. Eventually, I have to adjust. If you tell Tamim to do similar kind of stuff, he won't be able to do that.

"Once I could not do that, but I have to do it now for the sake of team's requirement. I have to do whatever the team wants from me. I feel that I can bat in both positions either in number three or as an opener; I am ready to accept it."

Imrul also said that batting as an opener gives him an edge over the bowlers as he can dominate them before they get settled. "There are both benefits and difficulties in facing the new ball. Bowlers don't know about the strengths of a batsman, batsmen also don't know what the bowlers can do. But when you bat at number three, bowlers become cautious and they control their line and length by the time," he said, before acknowledging that Mominul is keeping him on his toes.

"It is a positive sign. It is really great for Bangladesh cricket to have a healthy competition in the team," he said. "Team management can pick the best player if there is a competition around. I think it is very good for us and players will perform as well."

When asked his thoughts on tackling Australia's pacemen, he was confident, banking on his experience against the South African and English pacemen in the past. "I have been playing international cricket for the last seven to eight years. I have played against South Africa and England as well. They also have the best pace attack. I survived against them, so I don't think it will be difficult for me; I think I can play against the Aussie pace attack as well," he said.