We are one of the fittest teams in Tests: Shakib

Premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said that Bangladesh are one of the fittest teams in Tests. 

Shakib's claim could strike as an odd one, especially now that the Tigers are reeling at 34 for four after yet another batting collapse in their ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka. The Tigers are trailing by 107 runs in their second innings and now have an uphill task to save the game on the final day tomorrow in Mirpur. 

However, Shakib, who was in his usual charming mood, went on to clarify his claim with a bit of humour. 

"I think we are one of the fittest teams in Test cricket. It is because we do fielding for the most part of the game," said Shakib during a press conference after the fourth day's play today. 

While Shakib's claim of Bangladesh being the 'fittest team in Tests' could be argued, not much can be said against the reason that he used to clarify his statement. The Tigers bowled 243.1 overs in the two innings of the first Test in Chattogram and also fielded for a total of 165.1 overs in the only innings in the ongoing second Test in Mirpur. 

"We are extremely fit physically. We probably bowled over 400 or 450 overs in three innings of the two Tests so far. Had we not been physically fit, Liton [Das] could not have scored 141 after keeping the wicket for over 450 overs. Mushfiqur [Rahim] bhai also would not have scored 170. So, our problem is a mental one.    

"We need to work on our mental aspect. Probably we fear that we will do badly in a game. But if we think vice versa then a better outcome can be expected," added Shakib.