Warner, Handscomb guide Aussies to strong position

Bangladesh’s defensive mindset let Australia come back strongly to dominate the series-deciding second Test as David Warner hit an uncharacteristic 88 not out to guide the side in commendable 225 for two yesterday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.

Fresh from his maiden century in sub-continent, Warner combined two important partnerships yesterday to help his side in taking the upper hand on the second day, reducing the lead to 80 runs after Bangladesh were dismissed for 305 in their first innings.

He first put together a 93-run partnership with captain Steve Smith (58) after the loss of Matt Renshaw (4), which left Australia to five for one. Warner then shared an undefeated 127 with Peter Handscomb (69 not out), taking the advantage of Bangladesh’s decision to spread the fielders instead of putting more pressure on the batsmen.

Bangladesh paid the price of the belief that an attacking batsman like Warner would go for his trademark big shots after being set. Warner instead remained calm and serenely drove the innings to reverse the pressure on the hosts.

To worsen the situation, Bangladesh let Warner survive twice –on 52 and 73. Mominul Haque dropped Warner at short leg off left-arm spin bowler Taijul Islam, while Mushfiqur Rahim missed a stumping chance off offspinner Mehedi Hasan Miraj.

Handscomb was unbeaten on 69 off 113, including five boundaries. He survived a video review taken by Bangladesh but the ultra edge detected an inside-edge.

Warner closed in on his second straight century after being restrained in a knock in which he negotiated 170 balls and hit only four boundaries.

He began cautiously as Renshaw was out before lunch, chasing a leg-side delivery from Mustafizur Rahman (one for 45) and giving Mushfiqur Rahim a diving catch behind the stumps.

Smith's counter-attack helped the side stabilize the innings. He sent the ball across the rope for eight times in his 58 off 94. Bangladesh became successful to neutralize Smith’s efficiency by bowling him around the wicket in Dhaka Test. But they didn’t ponder the same tactics wouldn’t work every time for a batsman, occupying the No.1 position in ICC Test rankings.

However left-arm spin bowler Taijul Islam (one for 50) broke through in his first delivery of the innings by bowling Smith just as Australia appeared to be on course to survive the second session without losing any wickets.

That was the last time in the day Bangladesh managed to get any wickets as Warner and Handscomb kept them wicket-less thereafter, including the entire third session.

But offspinner Nathan Lyon remained the pick of the bowlers early in the Test. He claimed seven for 94 as Australia wrapped up Bangladesh's innings for 305 late in the morning session.

He struck with his second ball of the day, dismissing Mushfiqur for 68, after Bangladesh resumed the on 253-6.

Mushfiqur was surprised by the sharp turn and bounce that Lyon extracted from the pitch. In a chanceless innings, lasting 166 balls, Rahim hit five boundaries.

Rahim and Nasir Hossain combined for a 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket before Asthon Agar (two for 52) struck, having Hossain caught behind for 45.

Mehedi Hasan (11) and Taijul Islam (9) helped Bangladesh surpass 300 before Lyon struck again to finish the Bangladesh innings, leaving Australia four overs to bat before lunch.

 

Warner, Handscomb guide Aussies to strong position

Bangladeshs defensive mindset let Australia come back strongly to dominate the series-deciding second Test as David Warner hit an uncharacteristic 88 not out to guide the side in commendable 225 for two yesterday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong. Fresh from his maiden century in sub-continent, Warner combined two important partnerships yesterday to help his side in taking the upper hand on the second day, reducing the lead to 80 runs after Bangladesh were dismissed for 305 in their first innings. He first put together a 93-run partnership with captain Steve Smith (58) after the loss of Matt Renshaw (4), which left Australia to five for one. Warner then shared an undefeated 127 with Peter Handscomb (69 not out), taking the advantage of Bangladeshs decision to spread the fielders instead of putting more pressure on the batsmen. Bangladesh paid the price of the belief that an attacking batsman like Warner would go for his trademark big shots after being set. Warner instead remained calm and serenely drove the innings to reverse the pressure on the hosts. To worsen the situation, Bangladesh let Warner survive twice on 52 and 73. Mominul Haque dropped Warner at short leg off left-arm spin bowler Taijul Islam, while Mushfiqur Rahim missed a stumping chance off offspinner Mehedi Hasan Miraj. Handscomb was unbeaten on 69 off 113, including five boundaries. He survived a video review taken by Bangladesh but the ultra edge detected an inside-edge. Warner closed in on his second straight century after being restrained in a knock in which he negotiated 170 balls and hit only four boundaries. He began cautiously as Renshaw was out before lunch, chasing a leg-side delivery from Mustafizur Rahman (one for 45) and giving Mushfiqur Rahim a diving catch behind the stumps. Smiths counter-attack helped the side stabilize the innings. He sent the ball across the rope for eight times in his 58 off 94. Bangladesh became successful to neutralize Smiths efficiency by bowling him around the wicket in Dhaka Test. But they didnt ponder the same tactics wouldnt work every time for a batsman, occupying the No.1 position in ICC Test rankings. However left-arm spin bowler Taijul Islam (one for 50) broke through in his first delivery of the innings by bowling Smith just as Australia appeared to be on course to survive the second session without losing any wickets. That was the last time in the day Bangladesh managed to get any wickets as Warner and Handscomb kept them wicket-less thereafter, including the entire third session. But offspinner Nathan Lyon remained the pick of the bowlers early in the Test. He claimed seven for 94 as Australia wrapped up Bangladeshs innings for 305 late in the morning session. He struck with his second ball of the day, dismissing Mushfiqur for 68, after Bangladesh resumed the on 253-6. Mushfiqur was surprised by the sharp turn and bounce that Lyon extracted from the pitch. In a chanceless innings, lasting 166 balls, Rahim hit five boundaries. Rahim and Nasir Hossain combined for a 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket before Asthon Agar (two for 52) struck, having Hossain caught behind for 45. Mehedi Hasan (11) and Taijul Islam (9) helped Bangladesh surpass 300 before Lyon struck again to finish the Bangladesh innings, leaving Australia four overs to bat before lunch.