BAN v ENG, 1st Test Day 3 Review: Ben Stokes helps visitors pile on the runs

A half-century from Ben Stokes not only spared England of their blushes but also helped the visitors as they went about setting somewhat of an improbable target for their hosts Bangladesh. The day belonged to England as they got back things in control with some impressive bowling to fold Bangladesh up with a substantial lead in hand.

The day began with the England spinners snuffing out the resistance put forth by the lower and the middle order of the Bangladesh batting. The resistance was snuffed out by Stokes and Moeen Ali who took great pride in wiping out the last five wickets for just the 27 runs scored by the hosts.

The morning session, however, was completed only after the fall of three important and crucial England wickets. Alastair Cook and Ben Duckett’s torrid time at the middle was brought to somewhat of an abrupt end when Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedi Hasan removed the opening duo after just 28 odd runs were scored.

Joe Root’s problems with spin also were quite well-documented as the 26-year old vice-captain was trapped leg-before to a wonderfully worked delivery from Shakib. The post-lunch session also failed to unnerve the Bangladeshis as they began striving for more wickets.

Gary Ballance and Moeen Ali were the next to go as the match threatened to conclude within the next couple of hours. An under-edge from Ali to skipper Mushfiqur behind the stumps did not help their cause as they seemed to be destined for an improbable loss.

However, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes still had some unfinished business as far as prolonging the lead for the visitors was concerned. Initially, the duo began to bat rather sensibly and treated every delivery with respect instead of looking to satisfy their needs of playing the big shots.

This worked for a while as the Bangladesh spinners were getting increasingly frustrated as Stokes brought up a well-deserved half-century. It was at this juncture that both the batsmen decided to cash in with the lead well over the 200-run mark.

The English all-rounder invited the spinners with a barrage of sixes, three of which came against Shakib. Bairstow finally perished three runs short of a half-century but was credited for playing second fiddle to the impressive Stokes following their 127-run partnership.

A few wickets fell towards the close of play including the one of Stokes as Shakib helped himself to yet another 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. England concluded the third day’s play on 228/8. More importantly, they were 273 runs ahead, an improbable proposition should Bangladesh be in a position to complete the chasing formalities.

Brief Scores:

England, 1st innings: 293 all out

Bangladesh, 1st innings: 248 all out (Tamim Iqbal 78; B Stokes 4/26)

England, 2nd innings: 228/8 (B Stokes 85; Shakib 5/79)