The
atmosphere at Potchefstroom shifted unexpectedly after the tea break on the
second day of the first Test. South African captain Faf du Plessis, known for
his sharp tactical instincts, declared his team’s innings at 496 for 3, leaving
spectators puzzled. The home side seemed poised to cross the 550-run mark, but
Faf had a deeper game plan—a move reminiscent of his shrewd declaration against
Australia in the third Test of 2016.
Back then,
Du Plessis had capitalized on David Warner’s absence from the field due to
injury, catching the Australians off guard by forcing them to bat
underprepared. At Potchefstroom, he applied a similar ploy, targeting
Bangladesh’s batting backbone, Tamim Iqbal. Observing Tamim’s prolonged absence
from the field, Faf sensed an opportunity to disrupt the visiting side’s
rhythm. His decision compelled Bangladesh to send out an unfamiliar opening pair
of Imrul Kayes and Liton Das, with Liton, fresh from 146 grueling overs behind
the stumps, facing the daunting task of countering South Africa’s fiery pace
attack.
Liton Das: Baptism Under Fire
Stepping
out to open the innings in such high-pressure circumstances was an unenviable
challenge for Liton Das. The Dinajpur-born wicketkeeper-batsman showed
composure far beyond his experience, enduring the probing spells of Morne
Morkel and Kagiso Rabada with a blend of courage and technical finesse.
The opening
delivery from Morkel—a full, rapid ball angling into the middle and leg
stump—was enough to test even seasoned batsmen. Yet, Liton exhibited remarkable
calm, shuffling his feet confidently to flick it down the leg for a couple of runs.
It was a signal of intent, but the road ahead was treacherous. Morkel responded
with a barrage of searing deliveries, testing Liton’s reflexes and fortitude.
Against the third delivery of the over, Liton’s response—a precise back-foot
defence—showcased his ability to absorb pressure and adjust to the pace.
A Masterclass in Technique
Liton’s performance against Morkel was an insightful exhibition of modern batsmanship. By the third over, Morkel began probing outside off-stump, searching for an error in judgment. Liton, however, remained disciplined. He displayed the poise of a seasoned opener, leaving deliveries that posed a threat and curbing any reckless instinct to chase balls outside the line.
His
footwork was precise and assured, a hallmark of his technical prowess. When
Morkel overpitched, Liton capitalized with an effortless drive, transferring
his weight seamlessly from back foot to front, caressing the ball with perfect
timing.
It was in
the ninth over, however, that Liton truly stamped his authority. Morkel
unleashed a short-pitched ball of venomous pace, targeting Liton’s body. The
response was breathtaking—a controlled pivot on the back foot, his wrists
rolling over the ball in a manner reminiscent of Ricky Ponting. The result was
a perfectly placed boundary through backward square leg. A similar delivery
followed, and Liton dispatched it with equal elegance.
A Glimpse of Greatness
What set
Liton apart during his brief innings was his ability to get on top of the
bounce. This quality, combined with his compact technique, high backlift, and
still head, made him a captivating prospect at the top of the order. His
balance, both physically and mentally, was noteworthy for a batsman thrust into
an unfamiliar role under immense pressure.
But for all
his brilliance, Liton’s innings ended on a note of frustration. Morkel tempted
him with a delivery outside off-stump, and this time, the youngster’s patience
wavered. Reaching for the ball, he edged it into the slips, marking the end of
his valiant effort.
Lessons to Be Learned
Liton’s
dismissal highlighted an area for growth: the need for temperance in building
innings. His eagerness to dominate the bowling, while admirable, sometimes led
to lapses in judgment. Patience and shot selection, especially on testing
pitches, are qualities he must hone to realize his full potential.
The silver
lining is that these are learnable skills, ones that come with experience and
consistent opportunities at the highest level. For a player with his technical
foundation and natural talent, the ceiling is high. What Liton needs now is
trust from the team management—a clear role, ample exposure, and the confidence
that he belongs on the international stage.
A Star in the Making
Liton Das’s
performance at Potchefstroom was a microcosm of Bangladesh’s Test cricket
journey: flashes of brilliance, moments of vulnerability, and lessons to be
absorbed. Against one of the world’s most fearsome bowling attacks, Liton
exhibited the resilience and skill required to succeed at the highest
level.
His ability
to handle pace, particularly on bouncy tracks, makes him an invaluable asset
for Bangladesh in conditions outside the subcontinent. If nurtured properly,
Liton could become the dependable top-order batsman that Bangladesh has long
searched for—a player capable of weathering storms and delivering artistry
under pressure.
In a match dominated by Faf du Plessis’ tactical brilliance and South Africa’s overwhelming superiority, Liton Das’s short but impactful innings was a beacon of hope for Bangladesh’s cricketing future. The stage is set; it is now up to Liton and the team to seize the moment and turn potential into legacy.