Darren Lehmann showers praise on Warner-Handscomb gutsy partnership

Australian coach Darren Lehmann was a much relaxed man at the end of the day two play of the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh. Australia finished the day with a score of 225/2, trailing by 80 runs in the first innings. In all fairness, the day belonged the Aussie batsmen. After Steve Smith perished with a fifty to his name, Peter Handscomb and David Warner stitched an unbeaten 127 run stand.

The two players are well set at the crease and look good for their individual centuries. Warner is the one closer to the landmark with 88 to his credit. Darren Lehmann, as per the quotes in ESPNcricinfo, remarked that the two batsmen showed a gutsy performance. He noted that they batted out against all odds like the heat and humidity to stay at the crease. He showered praises on the duo for their effort.

“Really gutsy, obviously it’s pretty hot out there, we saw that yesterday and you have to work really hard for your runs. So to get through and the way they played was excellent. They’re in the ice baths now and we’ll leave them with the medical team to get them right for tomorrow. Very special day and hopefully tomorrow they can kick on,” quoted Darren Lehmann.

“It’s really just focusing on each ball and trying to get through. I thought they used their feet really well, playing forward and back, made good decisions and towards the end of the day, it was just about getting through each ball and just take your time. The umpires handled it really well and so did the Bangladesh team to make sure they’re right to play,” he added further.

On Matthew Wade

In the recent times, the Australian wicket-keeper, Matthew Wade, has been under the scrutiny for not having performed well enough. Darren Lehmann believes that Wade did enough in this particular game thus far to show why he is still retained in the side.

“I thought Matthew Wade answered his critics really well in this game – a great stumping, a couple of catches, so that was pleasing for Matthew as well,” said the Australian coach.

On the pitch

Commenting on the nature of the pitch, the Australian head coach reckons it is very different from the one that was served to them in the first Test at Dhaka. Lehmann noted that the pitch at Dhaka was a rank turner. This particular strip at Chittagong has some assistance for the batters too. However, he maintained that it will break up and help the spinners later on.

“From the first Test it’s a totally different wicket. But that’s not our choice. If that’s what Bangladesh want to do, that’s well within their rights. I thought it would turn more, no doubt. They obviously beat us on a pretty big turner in the first Test but it’s played pretty well so far. I think it’ll break up and still turn as the game goes on,” concluded Lehmann.