Bangaldesh spin coach Rangana Herath talked up the value of Taijul Islam as Bangladesh’s leading spinner, irrespective of whether Shakib Al Hasan features in the side or not.

Taijul led the way on Day 2 in Sylhet after Bangladesh were bundled out for 310 in the opening Test. He led from the front on a deteriorating surface with figures of 4 for 89 that left New Zealand at 266 for 8 at stumps, still trailing by 44 runs.

“Taijul is always helping the attack. He is our leading spinner. He created a lot of pressure (on New Zealand). He created a lot of angles. He has great experience, knowledge and understanding. I am so happy that he took four wickets today,” Herath said.

“Taijul plays a big role for us regardless of Shakib playing or not. He plays both attacking and defensive role. He is always relying on his line and length,” he said, adding that off-spinner Nayeem Islam also kept his nerve despite making a comeback after one and a half years.

“Nayeem is playing after a few years actually. So it was very important that he bowled well today. He created some good pressure as well. I noticed that he got confidence by bowling good line and length. He is a good prospect for Bangladesh,” he said. “I think the spinners bowled well. We could have created some more pressure. We took eight wickets in the end, so it is a good day for us.

While Herath was pleased with the way his spinners operated, he rued the lapses in the field. Taijul and Shoriful Islam dropped Williamson on 63 and 70 respectively, and paved the way for the former skipper to get his 29th Test century.

“If you drop some chances, it could be costly. You saw the Kane Williamson ones. He gave [catching] opportunities on 63 and 70. He then got a hundred. We need to take those chances as much as we can,” said Herath.

Herath, who is expected to leave in the middle of the opening Test as his contract expires on November 30, added that he is still in discussion with Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding his contract extension.

“I am in a discussion with the BCB about the way forward. It can be the same role but not in December or January. From mid-February,” Herath said.