DHAKA: Australia 225 for 2 (Warner 88*, Handscomb 69*, Smith 58) trail Bangladesh 305 (Mushfiqur 68, Sabbir 66, Lyon 7-94) by 80 runs.
On a hot humid summer day when crows even dared staying in the sun Victorian youngster Peter Handscomb surviving sunstroke painstaking partnered with his vice-captain David Warner to stich together a 127 runs unbroken third wicket partnership. Australia was firmly placed at 225/2 replying to Bangladesh score of 305 in the first innings. Wicket had occasional sharp turn , some balls bounced but over all a far better wicket to bat on .Third day first session would give clear idea which direction the match would be heading . But the usual determination of Australia in energy sapping second day indicated that it will not be a series white wash possibly for Bangladesh.
The second morning started as usual with Mushfique and Nasir negotiating well the first few overs thrown at them by Cummins and O’Keefe.It was not that runs were coming thick and fast . Smith fell back on his tramp card Llyon who immediately delivered. Mushfique failed to keep an over spinning delivery and was played on. Two youngsters Nasir and Miraj were looking good for a while till Nasir tried to cut an Ager delivery too close to his body . Mehedy got run out attempting an unnecessary second run. Finally, Llyon picked his 7th wicket enticing Taijul to a lofted shot. Bangladesh got all out for 305 which in our feelings was at least 45 runs short.
When Australia resumed few minutes before lunch Renshaw fell to a spectacular diving catch by Mushfique behind the wicket off Mustafiz. But spurred by the early success Bangladesh bowlers could not press on the advantage. They looked pretty flat. Mushfique also could not put his men in right areas. Mehedy , Shakib could hardly make any impression on Smith and Warner . Luckily for Bangladesh Taijul could get Smith clean bowled after his reached yet another half century. Youngster Handscomb joined Warner. Batting in the mid-day sun became unbearable. Generous intake of fluid was required. Even then Handscomb almost collapsed on one occasion requiring urgent medical attention. In between the pair batted brilliantly. Warner was playing the sheet anchors role while Handscomb was more enterprising with stroke play. Warner was dropped off Tajul after reaching half century . Mushfique also missed an easy stumping opportunity. Apart from these two blemish Warner Handscomb batted Australia to a zone of strength with an unbeaten 127 runs third wicket partnership. If Bangladesh can not make early inroads on day three Australia would soon ride on the driving seat.
Australia has read the wicket far better and their bowlers had much better assessment of Bangladeshi batsmen. Australian spinners bowlers bowled on right areas and fielders were also placed in right positions. Finally, Australian batsmen never allowed Bangladesh bowlers settle. Here is the difference of quality and class of two teams Australia and Bangladesh.
Anyway no team is favourite yet. First session of the third morning would show which way the match is heading.
BDST: 1900 HRS, SEP 05, 2017
EHJ
