Sri Lanka won the match by an innings and 234 runs on the fourth morning, throwing a lot of questions to the Tigers ahead of the second Test which starts on July 3 at the P Sara Stadium here.

The realisation of everyone, however, is that video sessions will not find solutions for the disappointing show. The problem is rather deep-rooted and here the preparation for the longer version game for our players has to be evaluated.

Test cricket is not a grooming ground rather it is usually the stage for seasoned players although there can be exceptions made for those with special talent.

However, there is no denying the fact that without a proper first-class structure and experience of tough grind in domestic first class games it is very difficult to survive at Test level.

Left-handed middle order batsman Shakib Al Hasan is discovering this reality the hard way. The 20-year old from Magura has made an impressive start to his one-day career and boasts a healthy average of 43.80 in 31 matches.

His one-day success has been so eye-catching that the selectors just had to bring him to the Test fold at the first opportunity. But after just three Tests the youngster now knows it will be a long and hard road ahead.

"I am still finding my feet but what I could understand is that Test cricket is much more tougher than one-day cricket," said Shakib while talking about his brief Test experience, where he has made 96 runs in five innings.

It is natural for someone like Shakib to be in this situation and to adapt to the temperament of the five-day game. Before coming into the Test fray he had played only 13 first class games.

"I'm not sure whether it would have been more helpful for me if I had played more four-day games before playing Test cricket. I think a lot of our senior players also did not play that many first-class games and you will not mind too many with 30 or more first class games behind them. I believe there is a lack of competitiveness in our first-class cricket which makes it difficult for cricketers to maintain intensity," he explained.

In the current squad, opener Javed Omer with 42 has appeared in the highest number of first class matches.

"Actually I am learning from every passing game. What I have learnt is that shot selection is of paramount importance in Test matches. One should also be technically skilled enough and that helps in handling the pressure," said Shakib.

Shakib's tendency to flash outside the off-stump, which he gets by with in the shorter-version game, has landed him in trouble in Tests.

"I have to learn how to leave the ball otherwise opponent teams would work on this weakness. This had happened in the second innings against Malinga (Lasith)," admitted the young man.