The match already has the makings of a low-scoring classic as the pendulum swung back and forth on an eventful first day of the second Test between Bangladesh and England in Dhaka, which was cut short by bad light. Spin ruled the roost, but not before Tamim Iqbal (104) completed an exquisite hundred. Moeen Ali (5/57), along with Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes, skittled out the Bangladeshis for a modest 220. England's top order was all at sea once again, and ended the day at 50/3.
The resilience that the Bangladesh batters showed in the fourth innings of the first Test went straight out of the window here. It was replaced by a soft core, which collapsed from 171/1 to 220 all-out, losing nine wickets for just 49 runs. After Imrul Kayes departed in the third over of the day, Iqbal and the gritty Mominul Haque (66) had brought up 170 for the second wicket.
Iqbal counter-attacked superbly, and displayed a wide range of shots, scoring all around the wicket. The left-hander was graceful off the back-foot but countered the short-pitched stuff through pulls and cuts. Iqbal was also strong off his hips and used his feet against spin, bringing up boundaries at regular intervals.
Even Haque, who is usually a cautious customer at the crease, was encouraged to go for scoring shots, and was happy to play second fiddle. Ali struck with Bangladesh in command. Alastair Cook and his bowlers deserve praise for going for the kill. Ali bowled fuller and induced the batsmen to making mistakes. The close-catching fielders, too, backed up Ali's effort, showing a safe pair of hands.
England's hero from the first Test, Ben Stokes, was devastating with the old ball, and got prodigious reverse-swing. Along with the reliable Woakes, the pace duo ran through the Bangladesh lower order.
England once again suffered against teenager Mehdi Hasan. Cook and Ben Duckett showed an intent of going after the spinners, but there was already wear and tear on the wicket. Shakib Al Hasan was getting vicious turn. Hasan removed Cook and the struggling Ballance, while Shakib got the better of rookie Duckett.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 220 (Tamim Iqbal 104, Mominul Haque 66; Moeen Ali 5/57, Chris Woakes 3/30) lead England 50/3 (Joe Root 15 not out; Mehdi Hasan 2/26) by 170 runs.
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