Jamie Siddons blasts 'terrible batting'

Jamie Siddons, the Bangladesh coach, was critical of his team's performance after the top order collapsed once again, on the fourth evening in Hamilton to leave the hosts in sight of victory. "The game got away from us in the 25 or so overs of terrible batting. Our aim was to get through today and regroup for tomorrow. I'm not sure what went wrong, whether the boys felt the pressure of the big occasion or if they thought they could go out and actually get the runs but it was certainly not in the plan, the way Tamim played," Siddons said.

He was however quick to defend the Bangladesh opener's aggressive approach. "That's just the way he plays. He bats in the same way as a Sehwag. We all loved it when he got 68 in the first innings and 150 odd against India. But the other boys have to realise that just like it's not all about [Mohammad] Ashraful, it's not all about Tamim. They have to stand up and perform."

Siddons hinted that the Bangladesh cricket establishment's patience for Ashraful may have reached its end. "[He] had a terrible tour and he kept making the same bad decisions. We might have to reassess Ashraful when we get back," Siddons said.

Siddons also tried to remain upbeat about the looming final day of the match. "We have three guys there who are all capable of making Test centuries and we need at least two of those guys to make big scores for us to have a chance.

"We have to keep picking ourselves up after games like this. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is a young team and that's part of the reason we keep failing under pressure. I think our opponents know that and believe that they have what it takes to get the better of us," Siddons said.

Tim McIntosh, who top-scored with 89 for the hosts, felt that the disappointment of missing a hundred was compensated by the fact that his knock had put his side on course for a win. "It was a bit disappointing not to get to three figures but I am happy to have contributed," McIntosh said.

McIntosh had a strange day, being involved in three run outs, the last of which claimed his own wicket. "You think it might come back to you when you have been involved in all three. But I think it's just part of the game and it's unfortunate that it seemed to happen today. I don't know if you can directly blame anyone for it. They were all pretty good calls and they were all good, direct hit throws as well." McIntosh said.