“Hasan’s Breakthrough a Big Positive” — Bangladesh Bowling Coach Shaun Tait Reflects on Galle Test Day 3

Despite trailing at the end of Day 3 in the Galle Test, Bangladesh found a silver lining through pacer Hasan Mahmud, whose late dismissal of Pathum Nissanka provided a much-needed breakthrough. Bangladesh’s pace bowling coach Shaun Tait highlighted this wicket as a crucial moment in an otherwise tough day for the bowlers.

Speaking at the post-day press conference, Tait said,

“Hasan took a key wicket with the new ball — that’s his role. It was a good delivery hitting middle stump. That moment was important because the spinners had bowled a lot of overs, and we needed a breakthrough.”

Sri Lanka ended the day on 368/4, replying to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 495. While the hosts batted in favorable conditions for most of the day, Tait was not overly critical of his bowlers.

“It’s a good batting wicket, and conditions were tough for pacers today. They worked hard. Sure, the start with the new ball could have been better, but their effort was there — and that’s what you want to see.”

Commenting on the pitch, Tait noted,

“Many expected more turn on Day 3, but the pitch hasn’t changed much. It still looks good for batting. In Tests, things can shift quickly — we have to keep pushing.”

Tait also expressed confidence in young pacer Nahid Rana, who took the new ball alongside Hasan.

“He’s got pace, and that’s why we gave him the new ball. It’s just his eighth Test. He has a big future. Bangladesh hasn’t had many exciting quicks like him before.”

When asked if the team could’ve used an extra bowler, Tait replied,

“We didn’t really have the option to go with one more bowler.”

Tait concluded by praising Sri Lanka’s batting:

“They’re a solid side — even in the running for a World Test Championship final spot. We could have done more with the new ball, but I don’t want to be too negative. We batted two days too — it’s clearly a good pitch.”

As the match heads into Day 4, Bangladesh will now aim to strike early and restrict Sri Lanka’s lead, with a heavy workload once again likely for the pacers.