Australian opener David Warner hit an uncharacteristic 88 not out to guide his side to a commendable 225 for two as Bangladesh’s defensive mindset allowed the visitors come back strongly to dominate the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Tuesday. Fresh from his maiden century in sub-continent, Warner combined two important partnerships to help his side in taking the upper hand on the second day, reducing the deficit 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 off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraj.
Handscomb was unbeaten on 69 off 113, including five boundaries. He survived a video review taken by Bangladesh for a leg before 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 stabilise the innings. He sent the ball across the rope for eight times in his 58 off 94. Bangladesh became successful to neutralise Smith’s efficiency by bowling him around the wicket in Dhaka Test. But the same tactics did not work again for a batsman, occupying the No.1 position in ICC Test rankings.
However left-arm spin bowler Taijul (one for 50) broke through his defense 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 wicket as Warner and Handscomb kept them wicket-less thereafter, including the entire third session.
Earlier off-spinner 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.
-With New Age input
