Hasan Mahmud remains positive despite dropped chances

Bangladesh's pace bowler Hasan Mahmud said on Tuesday that they are not losing their focus despite being sloppy in the opening day of the first Test against Ireland at Sylhet as they are eyeing to take positives rather than grumble over the dropped catches.

Ireland posted 270 for 8 at end of day's play, with the Bangladeshi fielders dropping five catches but the right-arm pacer was upbeat about the fact that chances were being created.

"It's part of the game catches will be dropped but we try to take it as a positive that opportunities are coming and the fielders stay more alert for the next one," Hasan told reporters at Sylhet after the opening day's play.

"Of course, it doesn't feel good when a catch is missed, but everyone is trying their best," he said.

Hasan added that they are focusing on fielding in their practice sessions while he looked optimistic that the team would improve in the coming days.

"I believe everyone is working hard enough on fielding. We do fielding drills every day when we come to the ground. We're trying to get better bit by bit," said Hasan

"This can happen during a game. Catch drops are part of cricket. The main thing is to recover positively - maybe we missed many today, but next time it will decrease. That's what we focus on."

Hasan said that the team was satisfied with their bowling effort on a batting-friendly track as Ireland ended the first day of the Sylhet Test at 270 for 8.

"The wicket is very good for batting, but our bowling was disciplined, and our economy rate is around three," said Hasan.

"I think we finished the day well. We are in a strong position. If we can take their early wickets tomorrow, everything will be under control. On a batting wicket, 300 isn't too much. Hopefully, we'll chase it down and set a good total," he said.

"Our focus was on keeping it lower by bowling economically - the run rate is just three per over," he said adding that he believes the spinners will dominate as the match progresses.

"It will become a good opportunity for the spinners. As the days go by, the wicket will turn more. If the bowlers stick to their line and length, the spinners will take control," he said adding that he enjoys bowling with pacer Nahid Rana, who clocks at 145 kmph.

"I enjoy bowling with him [Nahid Rana] very much. He bowls very fast. So, I am a bit inspired by him. And I try to have a bowling partnership with him. Or when he bowls, we exchange ideas with him about the condition of the wicket, which area is best to bowl, what length to adjust," he said

"So, I share everything with him. He shares with me. We try that from both ends to bowl more wicket-taking deliveries. That is what we try," he said