The Daily Morning Voice Online Desk: The year has not been very kind to Mominul Haque. Since the 88-run knock at Mount Maunganui at the beginning of the year, a very important knock in context of the match’s place in Bangladesh history, Mominul’s bat has not smiled. Coming back into the national Test side after losing his spot at West Indies, Mominul’s return saw him get in amongst the runs, fighting a lone battle during a 157-ball 84 on day one of the second Test against India at Mirpur today. Despite his knock, Bangladesh were bowled out for 227 with Mominul the ninth wicket to fall, gloving a Ravichandran Ashwin delivery.

Before this knock, Mominul failed to reach double digits in his last nine innings which led to him being dropped. Concerns over his form had seen his Test captaincy relinquished before the tour of West Indies and during the series he was dropped for the second Test. His domestic form had been poor as well, managing just a fifty in the NCL in two matches. He managed another fifty against Tamil Nadu during Bangladesh A’s tour of India but did not manage big scores at home during two unofficial Tests against India A at Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet. Top-order debacle and lack of confidence from most batters, saw Mominul return in the second Test after he did not make the playing eleven in the first Test.

The positive frame of mind was asserted from the beginning of his knock. Mominul brought out the flicks, ramps and cut shots to good effect. Barely troubled by Ashwin as batters at the other end struggled, Mominul put on 43 for the third-wicket with skipper Shakib Al Hasan and 42 with Liton Das but with both his partners throwing their wicket away, Bangladesh lost their last five wickets for just 14 runs. Mominul dazzled wiith 12 fours and a six during his 84 and would be disappointed with the way he got without completing his ton, gloving a delivery despite trying to leave it completely alone. Umesh Yadav and Ashwin starred with four wickets each as despite most batters getting starts, Bangladesh only managed 227 in the first innings after winning the runs.