Ireland brace for Dhaka's spin challenge

Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan admitted on Monday that his team is well aware of the spin threat present at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Ireland, trailing in the series after losing the first Test, are aiming to square the series with a win in the second and final Test beginning on November 19.

The venue, known for producing low and slow wickets, is expected to have some grass this time. A team management official said they won't be surprised to see three pacers in the second Test, anticipating some pace and bounce.

However, Malan believes the hosts will play to their strengths on a spin-friendly surface. "History shows us that it spins here. We'll adapt from a playing-XI perspective and hopefully put a combination out there that competes for five days," he said.

"It's a nice opportunity for us to come back here and we've got a fair understanding of the conditions," Malan added. "The more we play, the more people will work stuff out, and the quicker we'll get better."

Ireland suffered an innings defeat in the series opener but showed a more positive approach with the bat late in the match. Malan said the attacking approach was not a fixed plan, but the team adapting to the game scenario.

"We're trying to find that balance," he said. "It's really making sure we take the understanding of the situation of the game, summing up the conditions well, and then find that tempo we want to be consistent around in Test cricket."

Malan praised Bangladesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who is set to become the first player from his country to play 100 Tests. "Mushfiqur is up early every morning, first on the bus, first in the nets, already doing warm-ups and hitting balls before others arrive," Malan said.

"Consistently putting in those hours when the lights are off sets you up to perform when it counts. Hopefully it doesn't go too well for him over the next five days, but congratulations on this achievement."