Chennai tweak helps Shanto counter Noman threat

Bangladesh batter Najmul Hossain Shanto learnt his lesson in Chennai.

All eyes were on Pakistan's left-arm spinner Noman Ali heading into Day 5 of the recently-concluded Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan, given the world No. 2 ranked bowler's reputation for striking in the second innings. Shanto, however, had a plan. He asked the umpire to check the off-stump while taking guard against Noman.

Taking guard is a crucial part of a batter's preparation. In this part of the world, batters usually take leg- or middle-stump guard, which made Shanto's choice of off stump notable.

A batter's trigger movement often dictates the guard he takes, shaped over years by his style and formative conditions. For Shanto, though, this wasn't something ingrained early. Instead, it was an adjustment he first tried during the Chennai Test against India in 2024, in response to the challenge posed by quality spin.

He made 20 in the first innings there, but the method clicked in the second, where he scored 82. Since then, whenever he expects assistance for left-arm or wrist spin, he has turned to this off-stump guard – as he did again against Noman Ali in the series opener, scoring 101 and 87.

"I took this guard (off stump against left-arm spinners) when I played against India in Chennai while facing Jadeja and scored 82," Shanto told Cricbuzz after the game. "So I am well aware why I am doing this and it has been productive for me.

"When the ball spins a lot, you can take this option (take guard on off stump). If I stand on off stump and the ball hits my pad, the impact is usually outside. It also opens up more scoring options against spin."

Earlier, at the post-match press conference, Shanto said he had no regrets about missing out on a century in the second innings, but felt he could have made more of his first-innings hundred.

"I think I could have played a bigger knock in the first innings. The way I was batting, the wicket was very challenging, especially in the first two or three hours. After that, I think the innings could have been bigger," he said.

"In the second innings, I was able to bat the way I wanted to. The wicket on days three and four was difficult for batters, and I batted on day five. Overall, I enjoyed both innings. But if it was one of the greats of the game in my place, that 101 would have been a double-century."

Shanto added that preparation and confidence played a key role, but he still expects more from himself.

"I prepared well. The preparation was good, and I always believe in how I can contribute to the team," he said. "But I will still say I could have batted better."

He also reflected on his form, suggesting he is not yet at his peak despite consistent contributions. "I would not say I am in my best form. I think I should have batted better in the first innings," he said.

Shanto, though, isn't afraid to experiment. Earlier in his career, he tweaked his backlift to adapt to the demands of white-ball cricket. This willingness to explore less conventional methods now appears to be serving him well in Tests too. For Bangladesh, that can only be a positive sign.