Shakib Al Hasan next only to Ian Botham to achieve a unique Test record

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan knows a thing or two about turning a milestone game into a memorable one. One of the best all-rounders in the international circuit, Shakib delivered when it mattered the most. He scored 84 with the bat and returned to the field to take a five-for. This was the eighth time in his career, that the Bangladesh’s experienced campaigner has achieved the double of scoring a fifty and bagging a five-wicket haul.

This also takes him second on the list, with Sir Ian Botham (11 times) at the top. He achieved quite a number of feats through out the day. He became only the fourth bowler to achieve the feat of a five-for against all nine Test playing nations. Shakib ended with figures of 5/68, as Australia were bundled out for 217, giving away a lead of 43 runs to the hosts. The last time Shakib achieved this feat was against Zimbabwe at Khulna, where he scored a hundred and picked up 10 wickets in the game. He is also the third player to achieve the distinction of scoring a hundred and grabbing 10 wickets in the game.

Winning mentality

Officially the world’s best all-rounder, Shakib had earlier told reporters that the ‘winning mentality’ has been there since childhood. “When I used to play with the tennis ball at my home in Magura, I hated losing. Most of the time I used to win. And I always liked batting, bowling, and fielding – I wanted to be the best. The fighting mindset was there from childhood – I don’t know where that came from, but it was there, from the earliest time that I can remember.”

Bangladesh currently have a lead of 88 runs with 9 wickets in hands. Opener Tamim Iqbal will be at the crease unbeaten on 30, at the start of third day’s play tomorrow. The hosts are at 45/1, after losing opener Soumya Sarkar during the fag end of the day’s play.