From Regret to Redemption: Southee's Reflections on Sylhet Test and Future Challenges

Bangladesh secured a remarkable victory against one of the top Test cricket teams, the reigning champions of the inaugural Test Championship. Despite being at the bottom in the last two seasons, Bangladesh triumphed by 150 runs against New Zealand in the Sylhet Test. Kiwi captain Tim Southee, expressing regret over the defeat, highlighted the enchanting beauty of Sylhet, acknowledging the tour's memorability irrespective of the results.

SBS Desk

December 02, 2023

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From Regret to Redemption: Southee's Reflections on Sylhet Test and Future Challenges

Southee, despite the significant loss on Sylhet soil, praised the location, stating, "Yes, it (Sylhet) is great. The hotel was great, the grounds were great. It will be a memorable tour for us if we leave the results aside."

Reflecting on the Test, Southee expressed optimism about learning from their mistakes and performing better in the next match. He acknowledged that Bangladesh's bowlers, with their calculated approach, posed challenges. Southee emphasized the need for batting partnerships to handle the pressure, lauding Shanta's excellent innings that suited the match conditions. Despite admitting to errors, he urged the team to move forward with lessons learned.

Praising the Bangladeshi bowlers, Southee noted, "Bangladeshi bowlers are very calculated and bowled well. Here the batting becomes more difficult as the game progresses. Because slowly the wicket turns. It also jumps a little more."

This win marked Bangladesh's second in 18 Tests against New Zealand and their first on home soil. Southee acknowledged Bangladesh's proficiency in their conditions and emphasized the importance of learning from losses. Looking ahead to the Dhaka Test, he expressed the team's commitment to correcting mistakes and focusing on the upcoming challenge.

Responding to a question about the difference in conditions, Southee recognized the strength of Bangladesh in their home conditions. He emphasized that facing challenges and seeking improvement are integral to progress. With the Dhaka Test on the horizon, Southee conveyed the team's determination to look forward and find ways to succeed, leaving no room for dwelling on past performances.