Ireland spin bowling coach Chris Brown hailed Andy McBrine for his superb bowling effort on the opening day in Mirpur but admitted that missed opportunities cost them a stronger position against Bangladesh in the second Test.
McBrine claimed all four Bangladesh wickets to fall on Wednesday, finishing with figures of 4 for 80 from 26 overs, a spell Brown described as exceptional.
“Throughout the day, it has been outstanding. His control was excellent, his shape on the ball, as he got into his work, he thoroughly deserved what he got today. I thought he was outstanding from start to finish,” Brown said after stumps.Ireland created three chances during a tight middle session, particularly between lunch and tea, but failed to take advantage of the openings.
“If we held onto two of those chances, it might be a slightly different picture now,” Brown reflected. “There were three chances — one pretty straightforward, the other two quite difficult. Another day they go to the hands. The guys stuck to the task really well today, but it’s a shame we couldn’t convert those.”
Bangladesh closed at 292-4, with Mushfiqur Rahim unbeaten on 99 and Litton Das on 47 in an unbroken 90-run stand that frustrated the visitors late in the day. Brown credited the Bangladesh duo while insisting Ireland would come again strong on Thursday.
“The chaps (Mushfiq) played brilliantly and he will have to wait till tomorrow. The partnership between him and Das was really good. We will come in the morning and try our way through.”
Assessing the surface, the Irish coach said it was playable early but expected spin to become more influential as the Test progresses.
“The wicket hasn’t changed much. It is a little bit quicker compared to the Sylhet Test. It played well today — a decent day-one surface. The more sun gets on it, the more turn we’ll see.”
Despite letting Bangladesh off the hook on day one, Brown remained upbeat about Ireland’s discipline and effort. “I am happy with the way we bowled. We bowled really well today,” he said.
