Ishant Sharma, the Indian opening bowler, says the shock of being dropped during the home series against Sri Lanka had taught him the virtues of patience and perseverance, and made him a better bowler.
Sharma figured in just one of the three Tests against Sri Lanka last year and played two of the five one-day internationals owing to his poor form. But he has a made a strong comeback from that disappointment in Bangladesh, taking seven wickets as India won the opening Test at Chittagong by 113-runs.
He added four more to that tally on the opening day of the second Test in Dhaka yesterday as Bangladesh were bundled out for 233, a score possible only due to a magnificent unbeaten 96 from Mohammed Mahmudullah. In reply, India had raced to 69 without loss by stumps.
"It was a very hard time for me," said Sharma about his time on the sidelines. "I was desperate to play for the country. It was a new experience for me because for the last three years my career has been up and up. But I learned from that experience that I should be patient in life and in bowling also.
"It [being dropped] is part and parcel of any cricketer's life. You have to face that and it was a challenge. I am happy that I learned to be patient at the hard times."
The Bangladesh lower order was once again left with the task of resuscitating the innings after the top five were back in the pavilion with just 51 runs on the board. Both openers, Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, left without bothering the scorers and Junaid Siddique joined them in the pavilion soon after, reducing the hosts to 13-3.
Raqibul Hasan was next to go, edging Sharma to second slip, followed by Mohammad Ashraful. Shakib and Chittagong centurion Mushfiqur Rahim consolidated the innings with a 55-run stand for the sixth wicket, but it was Mahmudullah who got the team past 200 in the company of the tailenders, batting close to 30 overs with numbers 10 and 11. But he was left stranded four runs short of his maiden, and richly-deserved, century in Test cricket when Harbhajan Singh knocked back Rubel Hossain's stumps.
arizvi@thenational.ae
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Price, base / as tested Dh274,000 (estimate)
Engine 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder
Gearbox Nine-speed automatic
Power 245hp @ 4,200rpm
Torque 500Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.4L / 100km
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Richard Jewell
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Brandon Stanley
Two-and-a-half out of five stars
