DHAKA: Day four of the absorbing Bangladesh-English Chittagong test has dawned with both sides still locked in dog fight. Many will feel England having its nose in front. On a turning and bouncing track assisting reverse swing England is leading by 273 runs with two second innings wickets still intact.

It may be extremely challenging for Bangladesh chasing 300 or little less on a wearing wicket assisting all type of bowling. But with lot of time still left and the quality of batting Bangladesh possesses it is not impossible. If Bangladeshi batsmen can apply themselves, play each ball according to merit who knows by the end of the day Bangladesh might smell an improbable victory. It may turn into a twilight delight.

Match Summary at stumps Day three

England: 283 All Out (MM Ali 68, JMBairstow 52, JE Root 40, CR Woakes 36, Mehedi Hasan 6.80, Shakib Al Hasan 2/46, Taijul Islam 2/47) and 228/8 (BA Stokes 85, JM Bairstow 47, Shakib Al Hasan 5/79)

Bangladesh 248 (Tamim Iqbal 78, Mushfiqur Rahim 48, Mahmudullah Riyad 38, Shakib Al Hasan 31, BA Stokes 4/26, MM Ali 3/75, AU Rashid 2/58)

Bangladesh thought it hard done with the spinning of the coin. England won the toss and without any hesitation elected to bat first. Wicket started turning right from the start and looked to remain low. Debutant teenage all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraj appeared as a revelation. Pitching the ball at the right spot on a turning and bouncing track, Miraj pushed the visitors on the back foot. Shakib also joined hands. When Shakib removed stokes England was reeling at 5/106.

Old ball, however, was not turning that much. Bangladesh could not press on the advantage in the absence of a genuinely quick pacer who could also reverse at pace. England added 187 in their last 5 wickets. 293 runs on such a treacherous looking wicket appeared enough.

Bangladesh started with a care. Tamim played an uncharacteristic innings of dogged defence and taking advantage of very rare loose deliveries. His partner Kayes was more enterprising lost his wicket at a crucial time of few minutes before lunch of the second day. Very dependable Mominul encountered a sharp turning delivery before he could set his eye in.

Mahmudullah was looking in silky touch. With Tamim mixing care with aggression the pair was cruising but on a wicket where no batsman could settle Mahmudullah lost his wicket after the pair put on precious 90-run in the third wicket. When Tamim and Mushfique were batting, Bangladesh started dreaming for forging ahead. But after playing a brilliantly structured innings of 78-run, Tamim failed to restrain himself.

Shakib joined Mushfique. Two of the most talented Bangladesh batsmen were moving merely. Mushfique was looking pristine and sublime. When things were looking assured, Stokes struck a deadly blow. Mushfique had to defend an excellent out swinger in the corridor of uncertainty nicking behind. With only few overs left on the day Bangladesh was again pushed in the back. Shakib was still there. Two debutants Sabbir and Miraj were still in the armory.

 
Shakib was expected to take the leadership of the batting. But unfortunately a sudden rush of blood cost him his wicket. His dancing down the wicket on the very second delivery of a flighted Moeen Ali delivery proved suicidal. He could do that after setting his eye in. Shakib’s departure triggered collapse. Stokes also started reversing the ball very smartly. Bangladesh succumbed losing the last five wickets for 27 runs only. Conceding 48 runs in the first innings Bangladesh lost the tricks.

However, the character of the wicket did not change at all. Shakib perhaps a bit perturbed with his careless batting bounced back with vengeance. Miraj and Taijul were also turning prodigiously. England in no time was reduced to 5/62. Cook, Duckett, Root, Balance and Ali were sent back. Possibilities were created for bundling England below 100.

But, by that time, ball lost shine and conspicuously sharp turn was gone. Bangladesh felt the absence of a genuine pacer who could reverse the ball. Rubel and Al-Amin were sadly missed. Talented and gritty Stokes and Bairstow displayed patience and commitment.

Mushfique endeavored with all his resources. 127 runs 6th wicket partnership perhaps took the match away from Bangladesh. Stokes was very calculatedly adventurous, Bairstow was solid. In a low scoring test such partnership may prove a winning component. However, debutant Kamril Islam Rabbi removed Bairstow taking his first wicket in test. Once the partnership was broken Shakib hit two deadly blows removing Stokes and Adil Rashid.

Shakib earned his 15th five wickets haul and the milestone of 150th test wicket. But by that time England lead soared to 273-run. With two more wickets still in tact England can expect extending it to 300 or more.

On a wearing wicket against a very potent bowling attack it will be a tall task. Three quality pacers Broad, Woakes and Stokes will bowl fast and swing. M Ali, Adil Rashid and G Batty will turn and tweek. But with lot of time left and the talent that Bangladesh team possesses it may not be beyond Bangladesh. One of the top five must play a long innings and two to three partnership will be required. Hope all batsmen will price their wicket and fight.

Who knows Bangladesh may have twilight delight this evening. It will be a huge milestone if Tigers can tame the Lions at Chittagong.

BDST: 1025 HRS, OCT 23, 2016
SR