Bangladesh v England, 1st Test, Day 3 – 5 Taking Points

An all-round show from Ben Stokes saw England gain a firm control at stumps on day three of the 1st Test at Chittagong. Stokes was the talking point of the day’s play today and contributed with both bat and ball to push Bangladesh to the corner.

Bangladesh could not add any significant amount of runs to their overnight score and were dismissed for just 248 in response to England’s first inning today of 293. The hosts, however, made s stunning comeback and sent half of the England batting order back to the pavilion n no time. However, Stokes then came to the rescue of his team and along with Bairstow took England a commendable position in the match.

1.England folds up Bangladesh quickly:

Bangladesh could not offer any resistance in the morning session and was bundled out inside the first hour of the day. The last five wickets could add only 27 runs and finished at finished at 248 after resuming to bat at their overnight score of 221/5.

The lower order was unable to counter all-rounder Ben Stokes’ superb spell of reverse swing and surrender meekly to him after Moeen Ali struck with the second ball of the morning when Shakib Al Hasan had a wild charge down the pitch and stumped behind. Adil Rashid also struck as Bangladesh continued to lose their way.

2. Poor start for England:

England came out to bat in the second hour of the morning session but could not gain any advantage straightway as England’s top order suffered a collapse. Opener Alastair Cook lost his wickets after starting out with some intent and showing good footwork.

Mehedi, the star of the first innings, got Cook caught at slip by Mahmudullah for 12. One over later, England lost their second wicket after Joe Root was trapped plumb LBW by Shakib.

More problems followed after Ben Duckett lost his wicket right on the stroke of lunch to give Bangladesh three wickets for two runs. Gary balance and Moeen Ali also could not stay in the middle and were made to depart for cheap scores as England crumbled to 62/5.

3. All – round Ben Stokes shines with the bat

Ben Stokes left the Bangladeshis out of sync today with his all-round performance. After acting as a catalyst to the spinners on day 2, Stokes came in today morning and bundled out the Bangladeshis in no time in an outstanding display of reverse swing.

Ben Stokes snapped three wickets in the first hour to finish with wonderful numbers of 4/26, the best among English bowlers in the first innings. His day began with the wicket of Mehedi Hasan. Later, he added Sabbir Rahman to his kitty and wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Kamrul Islam Rabbi.

His job had not ended for the day yet. England suffered a terrible collapse and Stokes had to come and rescue his team with his fluent 85 run knock. His resilient performance with the bat saw England regain control of the game after being pushed to the wall initially.

4. Jonny Bairstow extends his support:

Ben Stokes may have stolen the limelight today but, England would have found it really difficult to survive today if the wicket keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow had not played the supportive role with Stokes.

The right-hander continued his superb form and hit 47 in the 127 runs 6th wicket stand with Stokes. His solid batting display meant Stokes could play without any worry at one end.

This knock also saw him accomplish a couple of feats. First of all, he completed the 1000 runs milestone this calendar. he has so far scored 1091 runs in 11 tests this year. Bairstow also became the first player since VVS Laxman to score 1000+ runs batting at No. 6 or lower in a year Laxman had made 984 in the year 2002.

5. Advantage England:

Bangladesh let a great opportunity to gain a potentially match-winning advantage in the game by letting Stokes and Bairstow rebuild England. After rolling over the entire top order, the Bangladeshi bowlers failed to land the knockout blow and were pushed to the corner by the Bairstow – Stokes pair.

England would be highly relieved. Thanks to their outstanding effort today, the overall lead swelled up to 273 runs at stumps. England still has two wickets in hand with Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad not out at the crease. The advantage is now with them by all means.

England bowlers have shown that they have adapted well to the condition by dismissing the hosts for just 248 in the first innings. Therefore, any target above 275 will be potentially match winning for the visitors.