STUMPS: Australia 18-3 (Renshaw 6, Smith 3)
What on Earth was that all about? Three wickets in ten balls, reducing Australia to almost exactly where Bangladesh were seven hours or so ago when they lost 10-for-3 inside four overs.
Bangladesh backed their spin and it paid off. Mehedi is a genius. It took him two balls to have Warner given, albeit off the inside edge. Next ball, out again, this time no bat. Sliding into the left-hander. A movie we’ve seen before in this part of the world.
Shakib, next over. Usman Khawaja back in the side and trying to find a single after pading away. Surely it would have been called back as a dead ball anyway. Renshaw, rightly, wanted none of it. Sure, the silly point region was vacant, but Mushfiqur only had five metres to make up from behind the stumps. He did it athletically, and well. Usman’s slow trudge off said it all. What a mess.
Out comes the nightwatchman, Nathan Lyon. From nowhere, he’s trying to see off the chaos. But Shakib did to him what Mehedi had done Lyon, around the wicket, sliding with the arm. No hesitation from Umpire Llong there. At least Lyon was on the front foot. Both were umpire’s call, but neither he nor Warner could really complain about their lot.
Smith had some work to do briefly before the close, and didn’t miss a trick. Nor did Renshaw, watching the mess from the other end. He did his job. He’s earned his right to go again tomorrow.
What a bloody day. Bangladesh ultimately all out for 260 after a rain delay looked to be killing off play half an hour into the final session. Little did we know. 155 of those came in a stand between Tamim and Shakib, both playing their 50th Tests, digging them out of the deep, dark hole created by Pat Cummins’ own three wickets in eight balls.
Their last seven wickets fell for 92, the final four for 20. Lyon equalled Richie Benaud on 248 wickets, then passed him, then joined the 250 Club. We’ll hear from him at the media conference in a tic. Ashton Agar was barley used before tea, but bounced back well to get three of his own. Maxwell the seventh of Bangladesh’s wickets to fall to spin. Nine on the day, suggesting this is going to be a minefield and soon.
For whatever that second day brings, we’ll be here to tell you about it on the OBO. Be sure to join me in the morning. On the evidence of this first day, it’ll be worth it. Until then. And here’s the day’s report:
Updated
9th over: Australia 18-3 (Renshaw 6, Smith 3)
Last over of the day. Shakib to Smith. The captain in control. Nothing daft here. Couple through midwicket to finish the day. STUMPS. Phew! Let me gather my thoughts.
8th over: Australia 14-3 (Renshaw 6, Smith 1)
Mehedi, the genius, going again. Renshaw, cool, calm, forward. The crowd clapping in unison. This is really something. He’s off-strike with an inside edge. Smith, the captain, in after the nightwatchman. First ball flicking to midwicket, and taking one. They need to motor through, though. Over the wicket to Renshaw - I wonder why? Anyway, a shout for lbw! Outside the line this time. Another inside edge to finish! What a wonderful spell from the 19-year-old.
WICKET! Lyon lbw b Shakib 0 (Australia 14-3)
Three wickets in two overs! Lyon dismissed the way that Austalians so often are in this part of the world, from the ball coming straight down with the arm, around the wicket. Shakib’s got rid of the nightwatchman in five balls. Scenes!
7th over: Australia 14-3 Renshaw 5, Smith 0)
WICKET! Khawaja run out 1 (Australia 9-2)
One of the more ridiculous dismissals you will see, Khawaja setting off for a single after padding Shakib away. Likely that any run would have been called a dead ball in any case. Renshaw might have been the man calling him through, hard to tell, but he’s sent back and short by about three inches. What scenes. What chaos. And all of a sudden, what a match we have.
IS USMAN RUN OUT? It is madness! We will see.
WICKET! Warner lbw b Mehedi 8 (Australia 9-1)
He’s out next ball lbw anyway! Mehedi has taken three balls at Warner to get him, given out twice in that time. I tell you what though, should he have reviewed that too? He’s deep in the crease but that has came a long way with the angle from around the wicket. Matters little, as the bat is under the arm and he’s off. TV confirms he’s right to decline the DRS, it is just clipping so the original decision would have stood. Warner’s dismal time in Asia continues.
Updated
NOT OUT! Smashed it. Really flogged it. How has Aleem Dar given that out to begin with? Goodness me.
WARNER GIVEN LBW! REVIEWING! Has Mehedi got the vice-captain? We’ll see. He thinks he hit it. Upstairs we go.
5th over: Australia 9-0 (Warner 8, Renshaw 1)
I didn’t quite pick up until seeing the replay how grotty that last ball was to Renshaw, almost rolling. Anyway, moving on. Shakib is into it here. Good call. Less good: Warner having a pop at the reverse sweep first ball! Misses, causing a kerfuffle from the fielding team hoping he hit it. But not confident enough to review. A single to cover means Renshaw gets to do the rest, which again might be for the best. He defends the remainer of the over.
4th over: Australia 8-0 (Warner 7, Renshaw 1)
Good result for Australia with Renshaw doing the bulk of the work against Mehedi. Three catchers around the bat. The 21-year-old getting well forward, using his big, straight bat. Confident, competent batting.
Warner can make loads of runs on Asian decks if he plays with a mindset of 'I'm playing for Hyderabad Sunrisers' not for the Aus. #BANvAUS
— Isabelle Kangarian (@Pacebouncy) August 27, 2017
3rd over: Australia 8-0 (Warner 7, Renshaw 1)
Shaiful to Warner, using his bat plenty, trying to take him down the ground. But the bowler doesn’t much like that, collecting in his follow through and flinging at the stumps! Hits. Lucky not to go for overthrows. Nice cover drive gets him a couple to finish.
Lyon the eighth to take 250 Test wickets for Australia. Nice response from Mitch Starc watching on telly at home.
Well done you bloody legend @NathLyon421 ... can't take them off you pal, proud of ya 🐐 #250club
— Mitch Starc (@mstarc56) August 27, 2017
2nd over: Australia 6-0 (Warner 5, Renshaw 1)
I love this, Mehedi opening from in front of us here at the broadcast end. We saw Jadeja take late wickets in similar circumstances in India against Australia. Positive captaincy. But Renshaw is patient, patting back the 19-year-old. Hopefully these two play plenty of Test cricket against each other through the years. TV tells me he’s actually opened 11 of 15 innings so far in his Test career. Surprised not Mustafizur from the other end, in that case. Beats Renshaw with one that turns considerably, with bounce too, to finish the over. The opener did well not to follow it with his hands.
1st over: Australia 6-0 (Warner 5, Renshaw 1)
Warner coming into this with an average in Asia of 30, making fewer than 200 runs in India across four Tests earlier in the year. And he’s very much the focal point of this over, getting off the mark first ball. Getting another go, he crunches Shaiful through point. Through the air but no fielder there. Absoltely smashed, only bouncing a few times before hitting the rope. Next: huge shout for LBW, Umpire Llong right to turn it down as he smashed it. No review. Between times, Renshaw beaten by a good one. Plenty going on.
Ten-ish overs to come. Hard to know for sure with the rain delay and all the rest. Warner and Renshaw. Go!
WICKET! BANGLADESH ALL OUT 260! Shaiful c Hazlewood b Agar 13.
He left a dent before holing out, and that’s not for nothing. The no. 10 successfully hacked Agar over midwicket, then sliced four more after a Cummins misfield. Not the first of those today. But when lashing it high in the air to Hazlewood down the ground, one of Australia’s safest pair of hands, the party was over. As is the innings, one ball short of 79 overs.
All told, a disappointing end losing their last seven wickets for 95. But equally, the Australian spinners - especially Lyon - were too good for the lower order. Australia with a tricky little session before stumps.
78th over: Bangladesh 252-9 (Shafiul 5, Mustafizur 0)
We have reached the point where the spinner are racing through so quickly that I can’t explain the content of their overs adequately. Two from Lyon. Use your imagination. Oh, there was a bye, for those who are Wade Watchers.
77th over: Bangladesh 250-9 (Shafiul 4, Mustafizur 0)
Well, the 250 is up! Shaiful deciding he’s seen enough and taking Agar over his head. Dances with a view to doing it again to the last ball, but no room to swing the arms this time.
Any views on this Warner baggy green? Has he just chucked it in the wash? Lost it? Left it somewhere at home? In fact, I’ll find out from team management. BRB as we used to say on MSN Messenger.
76th over: Bangladesh 246-9 (Shafiul 0, Mustafizur 0)
Lyon unlucky not to have the number 11 in a hurry too, cramping him immediately, twice in four balls clipping an inside edge. This shouldn’t take long.
WICKET! Taijul lbw Lyon 4 (Bangladesh 246-9)
What a day for Nathan Lyon, now joining the 250 Club! That familiar appeal, down on both legs pleading with Umpire Dar, who gives him the decision. Bangladesh all out of reviews, so that is that. Not that it would have mattered, this looked pretty out from around the wicket to the left-hander. Flat, straight, bang on. Lyon has three, Australia are taking care of business.
75th over: Bangladesh 246-8 (Taijul 4, Shafiul 0)
Shafiul, included today instead of local lad Taskin Ahmed, sees out the over. Beaten first up, but defending the next couple. Has experience on his side, at least.
WICKET! Hossain lbw Agar 23 (Bangladesh 246-8)
Superb review from Steve Smith. Given not out, but Agar around the wicket has got this to go straight on to the right-hander Hossain. He’s forward, but not enough, the ball hitting in line and then going on to strike middle stump. No bat in it either, despite that looking half a chance live - it’s pad first. So, Agar’s second favourable verdict from the machine in the sky this afternoon, and his second wicket. Australia two more to get to complete quite a good day at the office.
74th over: Bangladesh 246-7 (Hossain 23, Taijul 4)
Query: is David Warner’s baggy green brand new? It looks bottle green, rather than beer-covered darker green. This is more important than Lyon’s over. Hossain retains the strike with the last ball.
73rd over: Bangladesh 245-7 (Hossain 22, Taijul 4)
Agar has found some welcome turn and bounce in his later spells. But Taijul gets the reward, four runs from the very top of his bat, maybe a glove. Batsman’s game. Could have gifted a catch in close to the last delivery, but the ball evades Handscomb at bat pad.
72nd over: Bangladesh 240-7 (Hossain 21, Taijul 0)
Taijul the new man, who plays the Lyon turn with confidence. Takes one (spinner) to know one, I guess. But doesn’t average above 12 with the bat in any professional format.
WICKET! Mehedi c Handscomb b Lyon 18 (Bangladesh 240-7)
A wicket at a time when the locals looked ready to really put the foot down again. Handscomb has done the job at short leg. A classic off-spinner’s wicket, Lyon winning the inside edge with considerable bounce. He overtakes Richie Benaud and is now has more wickets than any Australian spinner other than Shane Warne. Nice cameo from Mehedi. But needed to be more to ensure safe passage for Bangladesh into day two. Not much to come here.
71st over: Bangladesh 240-6 (Hossain 21, Mehedi 17)
I’ve been pretty good on the changes today - it is Agar from the far end. I pledge to learn their real names tomorrow. He beats Hossain with one that really goes. Ample there for any spinner willing to give it a rip and some air today. Batting is going to be brutal later in the week, make no mistake. Ignore that for now though, says Hossain through a whack down the ground. Nothing graceful about it, but over the top and far away. The board keeps ticking.
70th over: Bangladesh 235-6 (Hossain 17, Mehedi 17)
I reckon Cummins might come off at the end. Throw it back to Agar, Smudge. For now, it’s Lyon to Hossain. Again scoring from the first ball of the set, past point. He’s strong there. Mehedi drives squarely as well when the chance comes to score. Both players looking to get on with it. Hossain again tries to beat the field with a drive to end the over, but doesn’t get it beyond mid-off. Excellent quarter-hour for the hosts since the breather.
69th over: Bangladesh 233-6 (Hossain 16, Mehedi 16)
Oh yeah, Mehedi well up for this. Back to a Cummins shortish one and thumping over point. Cummins hits back with a yorker. Bowled. But offers up a half-volley towards the back of the over, two more coming from the teenager down the ground. 19 years of age. What were you doing when you were 19? Nothing about my 20th year was flattering.
68th over: Bangladesh 227-6 (Hossain 15, Mehedi 10)
Nathan Garry Lyon from the broadcast end. The Garry-Garry Lyon won’t be having a good night after how the footy end. Oh dear. Serves them right for voting for the merger in 1996. Okay, not for here, another time. Mehedi’s inside edge gets him off strike to begin, so Hossain has to face Australia’s no. 1 tweaker, who has been dangerous throughout. Does well to blunt the spin, then grab one himself behind point. Loose one to end, Mehedi helping it on its way for three down to fine leg. Lot of noise in the stands, and in the press box to be fair, with the locals realising how important it is these two can stick it out for as long as possible. Not much to come in the sheds. Gotta be there at stumps.
For those who like omens. Agar bowling in the break with spin coach Sri Sriham. Just as O'Keefe did in Pune before a spell of 6/5. #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/138LMCD27d
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) August 27, 2017
67th over: Bangladesh 222-6 (Hossain 15, Mehedi 6)
Welcome back! And welcome back to Cummins says Hossain, first ball lashed through cover. Shot. Lost 35 minutes by my count.
Updated
There is a restart coming. I don’t have the exact time to hand, but looks to be about quarter of an hour from now. Covers all coming of quite quickly. Perfect sunshine once again.
Unexpected good news. The giant covers are being taken off, leaving the more conventional square/run-up tarps. Sun is out and rain has stopped.
Yeah, it’s heavy enough. The most-of-the-field covers are out. Favouring the western side of the field for reasons that aren’t entirely clear. Maybe it doesn’t drain as well?
In my vast experience in Dhaka (three days) when it rains it does so hard and comes quick. That’s pretty much what has happened here. It is monsoon season after all. Remember, South Africa had two Tests scheduled at the same time of year a little while back and both were washouts.
The heavy rain caused the tour game to be cancelled this week. And it isn’t just the cricket, obviously. The human tragedy has been significant over the last few weeks, more than 1000 lives lost here and in parts of Nepal and India in their worst floods for 20 or so years. As I type, the whole field is now being covered.
RAIN DELAY!
66.4 overs: Bangladesh 218-6 (Hossain 11, Mehedi 6)
Seam it is. Via Cummins, who had three wickets inside eight balls this morning. Less convincing here when he misses his slower ball altogether, it coming out the top and landing somewhere around point! Collected by a fielder, signalled no-ball. I reckon he batsman within their rights to walk up and smash that. Anyway, Hossain didn’t.
It is very, very dark. Very, very quickly. And now it’s raining... and they are off! It’s not that heavy, but it is enough to call for the covers.
Updated
66th over: Bangladesh 217-6 (Hossain 11, Mehedi 6)
Lyon to an off-breaker a decade his junior, Mehedi. The man who took 12 wickets the last time he played here, running through England in that famous victory last October. Three singles through the over. Might be time for seam again. Quick burst of reverse, then chill out before the second new ball, due an hour or so from now.
65th over: Bangladesh 214-6 (Hossain 9, Mehedi 5)
Agar. Could he be the first to start bowling in a hat in this team since Greg Matthews? SHOULD HE? There’s got to be a case for it. Every time the camera does a close up my heart breaks a touch. Remember his barnet? Remember his Trent Bridge Barnet? Wiping it from his eyes with a smile and a shrug after that famous debut hand. He’s taken for singles to bookend this over, but three come between times via byes. Neither are easy takes; one spun big (again), the other went through low (again). Even so, 14 of those bad boys on the card now.
64th over: Bangladesh 209-6 (Hossain 7, Mehedi 5)
Hossain hasn’t faced a ball since Mehedi rocked up, so when he gets a chance goes for a dance. Back over Lyon’s head. That’ll do. I’ve said it a few times today, but 300 was loads in Pune. There are similarities out there. Promise
63rd over: Bangladesh 204-6 (Hossain 2, Mehedi 5)
Agar’s turn to tighten the screws, keeping Mehedi honest throughout for his first maiden of the day.
There's no legal way to watch the Bangladesh-Australia Test series in the UK - embodies terrible organisation of the sport
— Tim (@timwig) August 27, 2017
62nd over: Bangladesh 204-6 (Hossain 2, Mehedi 5)
Lyon races through a 60 second over, Mehedi keeping the strike with a push to cover. All very formulaic.
61st over: Bangladesh 203-6 (Hossain 2, Mehedi 4)
New man Mehedi immediately off the mark with a boundary. Wide and cut. Nice one ro get first up. He can bat a bit, the 19-year-old prodigy. Agar has one jump to finish, beating Wade’s gloves for another bye. But it keeps the new guy up the business end for Lyon’s next over, so that’s not a bad result for the visitors. Oh and the Mehedi boundary brings up the Bangladesh 200 as well.
WICKET! Mushfiqur lbw Agar 18 (Bangladesh 198-6)
Despite coming down the track a little, it is still hitting in line and crashing into the top of middle stump. That’ll do, the captain is gone! And Ashton Agar has his first Test wicket for what must be the better part of 1500 days. It’s big too, the skipper has had his best year yet, getting his runs before today in 2017 at 80-odd with a couple of tons. But not to be today.
LBW! REVIEW! Agar gets Mushfiqur but we’re going upstairs! Stand by...
60th over: Bangladesh 198-5 (Mushfiqur 18, Hossain 2)
Growing in confidence, Hossain uses the crease to take a single to point, Mushfiqur grabs one to midwicket. He tries again but miscues. No damage done.
59th over: Bangladesh 196-5 (Mushfiqur 17, Hossain 1)
Agar beats Mushfiqur on the back foot with one that shoots. Taken well by Wade. But he keeps his cool, leaning back on the next, cutting through the gap in front of backward point. Four for that. Played. Agar’s turn to bounce back though, throwing in a quicker delivery that the skipper nearly doesn’t get down on. Would have been all over had his bat not arrived in time.
58th over: Bangladesh 192-5 (Mushfiqur 13, Hossain 1)
Spin twins it is. Lyon to Hossain. He’s comfortable on the front foot, the offie happy to keep him there. Three catchers, including a leg-slip. Gets one to bite back hard, as he has throughout the day. Sound restart from him.
In the last 10 Tests hosted in Bangladesh, 387 is the average first innings total of the match #BanvAus
— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) August 27, 2017
57th over: Bangladesh 192-5 (Mushfiqur 13, Hossain 1)
Important little stint after tea coming up for Agar to build some confidence. With his height, should be able to cause some trouble on a track that’s bouncing plenty for the twirlers. He’s tidy enough here, singles to both.
Updated
We’re back. Nicely set up for the final session. How you seeing it? Drop me a line. Agar has the ball again after a long time without. Play.
TEA. Bangladesh 190-5.
56th over: Bangladesh 190-5 (Mushfiqur 12, Hossain 0)
Probing. Men around the bat; four of them. Bringing the new man Hossain forward, pushing him back. This is class. All the men in lids getting a go retrieving the ball. Two to come before the break. Nice straight bat. And again. That’s tea.
A session that was really getting away from the Australians, but Maxwell ended the 155-run stand for the fourth wicket when deceiving Tamim on 75 and finding his edge, then Lyon did Shakib five minutes before the break with a beauty, nicking to slip when 84. Much of what happens after tea will rely on the captain Mushfiqur. Far from convincing so far, but he’s still there. Grab a bite to eat, I’ll see you in 15 minutes.
55th over: Bangladesh 190-5 (Mushfiqur 12, Hossain 0)
What they would give for the captain too before tea. Nearly so, the first of this Cummins set hitting the handle. Could have gone anywhere. The New South Welshman the man most likely to run through them here. Being called “Cummings” on the telly. Really happens more than it should. One more before tea. Lyon will bowl it.
WICKET! Shakib c Smith b Lyon 84 (Bangladesh 188-5)
There it is! Lyon does Shakib with another that turns significantly, this time the edge carries, Smith making no mistake at slip. And there, Lyon joins Richie Benaud on 248 Test wickets. What a remarkable story. Neither set man has gone onto three figures, which will hurt. Australia have the scent now. Which isn’t to detract from the Shakib innings, it was a beaut. But he’s on his way back.
54th over: Bangladesh 188-5 (Mushfiqur 10, Hossain 0)
53rd over: Bangladesh 186-4 (Shakib 83, Mushfiqur 9)
Tennis ball bounce to say the least from Cummins first ball. A bouncer two feet over Shakib’s head. Loops to Wade. Wide ball. By contrast later in the over, one shoots low at the captain. Between times, he beats him with a beauty moving away from the bat. Pace up in the 140s throughout according to the speed camera. Working again, evidently. He oversteps with his last one. That’s not ideal. But, it’s worthwhile: another shout for LBW, another turned down. Missing leg.
Lachlan Quinn at me on the twitter re, what’s going on with Agar: “He’s done it with maxwell in India and Cartwright in Sydney. Stubborn captain refuses to bowl his players, is he not a selector?”
52nd over: Bangladesh 183-4 (Shakib 82, Mushfiqur 9)
Lyon on for Maxwell ater his successful five over stint. Not Agar, instructively - he still only has three overs on the clock. Bit odd, isn’t it? Partially explained by the huuuge spin Lyon seems to be getting once or twice every over he bowls today. This time it is beyond Wade who concedes byes but he is excused. That’s really gone. A couple of prods to cover add more runs to end the over.
How's Ashton Agar fallen out of favour already? #BANvAUS
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) August 27, 2017
51st over: Bangladesh 179-4 (Shakib 81, Mushfiqur 8)
Cummins on for Hazlewood. Good spell from the attack-leader. Immediately creates something, a leading edge. Doesn’t make the journey to mid-on. Four runs added in smaller currency through the over, patting Cummins without much of a concern.
50th over: Bangladesh 175-4 (Shakib 78, Mushfiqur 7)
Reverse sweep! As you do. Mushfiqur launches into it off Maxwell, but not convincingly struck. Only just clears the catching man on where the ODI circle would be. Four all the same. Well, intent clear.
49th over: Bangladesh 170-4 (Shakib 77, Mushfiqur 3)
Dangerous Hazlewood continues. Shakib takes the first straighter delivery to square leg for one. Inside edge of Mushfiqur located in the second half of the set, a bit of reverse again. Tries it on once more but the captain hits it with the meat of the bat this time, a couple to midwicket helping with confidence, no doubt.
48th over: Bangladesh 167-4 (Shakib 76, Mushfiqur 1)
Shakib off strike to the first ball, leaving it to the skipper. Maxwell gets one to jump big on him, hit on the glove for the second time in as many overs. Defends the rest, well forward. Maxwell right in the game here. Bowled more overs than Agar now. Won’t be lost upon Steve O’Keefe sitting at home, I’m sure.
Huge roar from our left when the open a gate allowing thousands of fans to migrate from the sun to the shade. Thought they were doing the conga to begin. Great stuff.
47th over: Bangladesh 166-4 (Shakib 75, Mushfiqur 1)
Hazlewood fired up here. Hits Mushfiqur’s gloves and bounces just over the stumps! Bounces him in response to what might’ve been. Nips one back at his pads, the bat down just in time. Eventful maiden to the new man.
46th over: Bangladesh 166-4 (Shakib 75, Mushfiqur 1)
Joined by the right man for the job in the skipper. His 30th Test in charge spanning six years. A bit of a joke that they’ve only played 30 Tests since 2011, but that’s for another time. These two put on a squillion at Wellington back in January from a similar scoreline. He’s off the mark with a single to midwicket to end the over and retain the strike.
— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket) August 27, 2017
WICKET! Tamim c Warner b Maxwell 71 (Bangladesh 165-4)
There it is! The Big Show with the Big Breakthrough. For a bloke who wasn’t meant to get a bowl unless it was dire, he is in the book at a vital moment early in this contest. A huge chunk of spin from a shorter delivery, Tamim misjudges the cut. Probably done by the bounce, doesn’t follow through with the shot. At backward point is Warner, who takes the catch with ease. Oh, and Maxwell loves it. The end of a wonderful 155-run stand.
45th over: Bangladesh 165-3 (Tamim 71, Shakib 75)
I’m sitting next to The Australian’s Andrew Faulkner in the press box who is a long-suffering stumper for the Kensington District CC in the Adelaide grade comp (the club of The Don). He was squirming when Matt Wade, to the first ball after drinks, had a ball go through his gloves for four wides. Off Hazlewood, who squared up Tamim a beauty as well. Twitter is going to love that. Cold comfort: there wasn’t a feather on it. 150 stand up in the process. Later in the over big should for LBW. Hazlewood likes it a lot more than Umpire Llong, who reckons Shakib has hit it. It’s a good decision - there’s no pad at all. Replies in a way that angers the bowlers, taking a wider delivery on the up through cover for four. Nine off it, another big’un.
Very poor miss there from Matt Wade. Australia desperate for a breakthrough
— Ben Horne (@BenHorne8) August 27, 2017
44th over: Bangladesh 156-3 (Tamim 70, Shakib 71)
One more in before drinks. Maxwell again. And Tamim for the umpteenth time today going over cover. In complete control of that stroke, degree of difficulty always high. Rewared with his fifth boundary to go with three sixes - all in that cover region. Oh and then some brilliance, late cutting with supreme control past Smith at slip. So good. Dive from Smith, but well beyond him. Seven from it. Making 59 runs in the hour without losing a wicket. Superb from the hosts. Both men now into the 70s. Drinks.
43rd over: Bangladesh 149-3 (Tamim 63, Shakib 71)
Dropped catch! It’s Hazlewood in his follow-through, low and quick with just his right hand. It doesn’t stick. Tamim survives. The first chance of the session. Well bowled running the fingers over the seam. Great effort, but having got the hand there should have taken it.
42nd over: Bangladesh 148-3 (Tamim 62, Shakib 71)
Well, this is something. Glenn Maxwell. Now, I asked Smith before the Test what the deal is with The Big Show and why he can’t get on for a jam roll under his leadership. He replied by saying he reckons his spinners do the job well enough as it is, so he isn’t required. And he is here, inside half a day. Uneventful opening, patted back by Tamim, taking one down the ground when slightly overpitching. Makes them play throughout. Gives it a big rip as a rule, so could find something in this track.
41st over: Bangladesh 147-3 (Tamim 61, Shakib 71)
Hazlewood with his new shaved head getting another crack - maybe his fourth spell already today? - from the far end. But if the plan was to dry up runs it hasn’t worked, the board ticked over four times. Both batsmen profiting through the legside with measures strokes before Shakib launches into a full-blooded hook shot! Lyon nearly got there with a huge dive, but it is four runs. Eight from it. Wonderful accumulation. Pressure building by the over on Australia.
Updated
40th over: Bangladesh 139-3 (Tamim 60, Shakib 63)
Boom. Boom. After Tamim grabs his 23rd Test half-century he gets stuck into Cummins at the other end of the other. A magnificent clip through midwicket comes first, no one stopping that. A drive through cover that’s just as classy for the same result. A couple more to the non-posh side to finish. 12 from it. This partnership becoming a big problem for Australia. I remind you again: Australia made 300 in Pune and it was loads. Doesn’t look quite a violent as that, but it’s the best available reference point based on the bite Nathan Lyon has found so far. As for Tamim, having to watch all that nonsense around him earlier. He was hands on hips after the Imrul edg, clearly filthy. He’s now gone through the 50s in the space of an over. Probably a gag there about Ike and JFK but I can’t locate it.
39th over: Bangladesh 127-3 (Tamim 49, Shakib 63)
Tasty cut from Shakib when Lyon misses his length, beats the sweeper and into the rope. Into the 60s. Having a golden year with the blade, a double ton in New Zealand to start the year (albeit in a loss, after he got them back in it from 4-for-sod all) then a ton in their win at Colombo in his most recent Test. A glorious century too against the Kiwis in the Champions Trophy to pull off a wonderful chase after a slew of early wickets. He’s probably the form player in the world at the moment to come in at 10-for-3 as he did this morning, come to think of it.
38th over: Bangladesh 123-3 (Tamim 49, Shakib 59)
Cummo again (they seriously call him that) to Rowdy Shakib Al Hasan. He moves from shot of a length to full, encouraging a pair of drives down the ground, both cut off by Warner. A single to point off the back foot when he drops back again. Cat and mouse. Good cricket.
37th over: Bangladesh 122-3 (Tamim 49, Shakib 58)
Garry-Garry Lyon to Shakib. I wonder what 90s footballer he gets nicknamed after? ‘Rowdy’ Gavin Brown? I’m going to drop the most insaaaane 90s football / Bangladesh trivia question on you at tea. Be ready for it. After all the runs, they’ve put it away for the last couple. Stands to reason. A flick for one all he bothers with other than the forward defence.
A tweet in from Master_Grundy. That’s a handle if ever I’ve seen one. For he is the master of the Grundies. Anyway. His turn, in response to the revelation that I went to the same school (Lyndale High in Dandenong) as John Farnham. “Mosman Primary prefects of 1967 included AB, Rob Hirst, and Tom Burlinson.”
36th over: Bangladesh 121-3 (Tamim 49, Shakib 57)
Patrick Cummins back into the attack from the broadcast end. I’m sure it has another name. One thing at a time. He was sensational this morning. Good grief he’s a joy to watch when going like that. They didn’t have a proper speed gun in operation on the telly, which was a shame, because he was every bit as quick as he was on day two at Ranchi back in March, where he must have been 95mph in the old money in India with it about 39 degrees (new money) outside. Anyway, making them play. Hitting high on the bat. Standard. Shakib gets the slightly shorter one away behind point for a single.
“Will you go to Chittagong?” asks OBO regular Andrew Benton on the email. I bloody will. “I like Chittagong - take the train down, better than flying, but a bit bumpier. Where else are the Tests? What’s the schedule? And, (how) are Australia using this series to prep for the Ashes? Do tell all.”
I’m flying because I’m an idiot. Back to back Tests, Chittagong then we’re out of here. Well, some are off to India for ODIs. Not me, though. I’m staying well outside the security tent of the team hotel, so I’m already getting what we could call a rather authentic experience. In other words, I sat in a car for three hours the other day. Loving every minute, though.
35th over: Bangladesh 120-3 (Tamim 49, Shakib 56)
Ot totally ignore me and go inside-out over extra cover taking Lyon over the rope for a third time! Then charge him again to clobbber over midwicket! Consecutive balls, the crowd chanting TAMIM so persuasively that I want to take the laptop out there and join then in the beating sun. All of a sudden, one short of a half-century. 100 stand up in all that as well. Go you good things, go.
Updated
34th over: Bangladesh 109-3 (Tamim 39, Shakib 55)
Oh, another Agar stumble? Looked it, through him at mid-on. Only one the damage this time. Shakib grabs a tuck to midwicket to the penultimate delivery. And Tamim flays at one he should have left to end it. Legit play and miss off the back foot. Cool your jets, man. Bat all day. For goodness sake, bat all day.
33rd over: Bangladesh 107-3 (Tamim 38, Shakib 54)
Lyon operating around the wicket to Shakib. Oh and he stays there when one is turned into four at backward point, Ashton Agar having one go through him. You do not see that from the young West Aussie who is a demon in the field. Bit of first-day-back nerves, or something like that. Lyon continues to mix his pace up well. He’ll bowl a lot worse for more wickets than so far today. Indeed, he has. It’s the spinners’ way.
Australia about to learn that Shakib is legit. #BANvAUS
— Andrew (@andrew_54) August 27, 2017
32nd over: Bangladesh 103-3 (Tamim 38, Shakib 50)
Big Josh Hazlewood does his ever-so-accurate thing again, this time at Tamim. A timely maiden after a whole lot of runs before the break and steady accumulation thereafter.
31st over: Bangladesh 103-3 (Tamim 38, Shakib 50)
Lyon now back to replace Agar. Smith adopting the philosophy of throwing it around to break up a partnership. Turned it square routinely early on, did the man they call Garry. Comparisons to Pune seem apt. There, 300 in the first innings was ample. Not for nothing with Bangladesh already into three figures just after lunch. He ties up Shakib on the back foot cutting too close to his body. Lucky he got down in time.
A lot more people in the ground now for the second session. It’s the start of the work week here, the Bangladesh weekend running Friday/Saturday. I’m full of facts like that after three days in the country. Want to learn more? Talk to me in the usual OBO ways. Boring old email: adam.collins.freelance@theguardian.com or nasty old twitter, @collinsadam. I’m here all day, let’s talk.
30th over: Bangladesh 102-3 (Tamim 37, Shakib 50)
Josh Hazlewood to replace Lyon, running away from us at the broadcast end. Tamim driving once more for a couple out to cover. Completely at ease here. Oh, as I say that, he’s edging a probing delivery. Albeit with soft enough hands to land short of Renshaw at slip. Hundred up with the aforementioned Tamim stroke, as well.
Give the WLW guys and girls a go if you’re looking for radio. The only wireless coverage of the series, I believe.
We're back for the second session day 1 #BANvAUS tune in at https://t.co/d7MbB2nG0E
— White Line Wireless (@WhiteLineWire) August 27, 2017
Updated
29th over: Bangladesh 99-3 (Tamim 34, Shakib 50)
Thanks JP. Adam Collins with you here for the rest of the day, live from the press box at Dhaka. Will come to the wonders of this tour as we go through the afternoon and evening sessions. For now, the cricket is pulsating. Agar has the first after the break and Tamim is back driving from the get go, rotating the strike to the sweeper at point. That there is a sweeper at this stage speaks volumes about the home side’s second hour. Later in the set, cutting hard behind point, Shakib moves to 50. What a fine hand it has been from the world’s top-ranked all-rounder. Both of these men are in their 50th Test today and have joined at a dreadful position at 10-for-3. Drawing on all their experience, they are doing a mighty job of dragging their side right back into this.
Updated
While he’s at the crease, why not tuck into Tim Wigmore’s profile of the dashing Shakib Al Hasan.
While you’re enjoying the break in play, don’t forget to check out today’s other live action in the wide world of sport.
Lunch - Bangladesh 96-3
And that brings a very entertaining session to a close.
After winning the toss Bangladesh crumbled to 10-3 with Pat Cummins obliterating the home side’s top order with raw pace. But once Shakib Al Hasan joined Tamim Iqbal at the crease the match changed. The pair have counterattacked beautifully, adding 86 on a difficult surface to leave matters delicately poised.
Australia have worked hard in hot and humid conditions, bowling well without any luck. Cummins was worth his early wickets and he could have had more with his pace and bounce. Nathan Lyon has been the most unfortunate though, sending down a number of unplayable deliveries and finding edges that haven’t gone to hand.
Thanks for your company, Adam Collins will be with you after lunch to take up the reins on what is unfolding into an excellent Test match.
Updated
28th over: Bangladesh 96-3 (Tamim 33, Shakib 48)
As if to prove the point Lyon gets one to leap on Shakib with a puff of dust floating off the pitch. Again there’s no chance resulting for the unlucky bowler.
A bit more width to Tamim is worked smartly behind square on the offside for a couple.
In the last 10 Tests hosted in Bangladesh, 387 is the average first innings total of the match #BanvAus
— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) August 27, 2017
27th over: Bangladesh 92-3 (Tamim 30, Shakib 47)
Agar not finding the same revs, turn or bounce as Lyon from the same end. His height and loop spinning into those footmarks looks dangerous though. The settled pair happy to prop forward smother any danger and accept the odd single that becomes available.
26th over: Bangladesh 90-3 (Tamim 29, Shakib 46)
Change of ends for Lyon but he has the misfortune of watching Tamim unfurl the shot of the day so far, an enormous six inside-out over cover. Such a free swing of the bat and sumptuous timing.
Shakib gets in on the act later in the over, dancing down the pitch giving him room to free his hands and drilling a four through the packed off-side field.
Splendid counterattack by this pair in the shadows of lunch.
25th over: Bangladesh 79-3 (Tamim 23, Shakib 42)
Big moment for Ashton Agar as he’s brought into the attack for his first bowl in Test cricket since 2013.
He begins promisingly too, landing into the footmarks outside the left-hander’s off stump. A full delivery finds Tamim’s edge that just evades Smith in the slips and a shorter one is flicked without timing by Shakib just behind a diving point. Australia have had no luck this morning.
Updated
24th over: Bangladesh 72-3 (Tamim 20, Shakib 38)
Bangladesh looking to counterattack Cummins as he delivers his eighth over, Shakib in particular plays a big swing and a miss before pulling for a single. The over ends with the star allrounder almost chopping on as he again attempts to fashion runs from a delivery cramping him for room around the top of off stump.
23rd over: Bangladesh 69-3 (Tamim 19, Shakib 37)
Not a lot to report from that Lyon over. No big spitters and only the one attempt from Shakib to hit the bowler off his length, and that’s fielded well by Maxwell at extra cover.
22nd over: Bangladesh 68-3 (Tamim 19, Shakib 37)
There’s that extra bounce again from Cummins, rapping Shakib on his bottom hand, but the batsman played it well to avoid the ball flying to the cordon. The rest of the over is on Bangladesh’s terms with singles worked into the on-side to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
21st over: Bangladesh 65-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 36)
Exciting over, and one with no luck whatsoever for Nathan Lyon.
To begin with, out of nowhere Shakib sweeps but the bounce beats him, inducing a top edge that flies towards the deep square leg fielder, but not close enough. The next ball he waits on the crease and he’s cramped for room, almost playing on.
The next couple are a pair of slog sweeps. The first connects and reaches the midwicket fence, the one after is an ugly swing and a miss that almost has Wade in business with a stumping.
Lyon will bowl much worse than this in his career and pick up wickets.
Updated
20th over: Bangladesh 59-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 30)
Cummins returns to the attack in place of Hazlewood. He’s back on that shortish length aiming for the splice but there’s not the venom of his opening spell and this pair at the crease are now settled and able to ride the bounce or duck out of the way. Tamim in particular is presenting a classically straight bat to his solid defensive strokes.
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19th over: Bangladesh 56-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 27)
Lyon finally finds an edge at the beginning of his seventh over but it’s a thick one that squirts safely wide of the slips.
18th over: Bangladesh 55-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 26)
50 for Bangladesh, brought up by two men playing their 50th Tests for their country.
Shakib takes the score from 50 to 54 in one stroke and it’s that drive on the up again that we saw often earlier in the day, once again catching a thick edge and flying over the slips, much to Hazlewood’s disgust. That tendency to drive hard at deliveries tight to off stump has prompted Smith to introduce a deep fly slip.
Bowlers with three wickets before 4th over of a Test since 2000:
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) August 27, 2017
Irfan Pathan v PAK, 2006
Stuart Broad v AUS, 2015
PAT CUMMINS #BANvAUS
17th over: Bangladesh 48-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 19)
Lyon’s overs have adopted a pattern. Three or four standard full deliveries dabbed back on the front foot interspersed with the occasional grenade. And it is a spectacular sight when one takes off, spitting into Wade’s gloves somewhere around his left ear. Again this over both batsmen are lucky to escape deliveries that turn and bounce - unfortunately for Lyon probably doing too much.
16th over: Bangladesh 45-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 16)
This is interesting. Hazlewood does what Hazlewood does and beats the outside edge of Tamim’s bat with some nice movement off the seam. Tamim responds by advancing down the track next delivery to try and unsettle the bowler’s length.
This pitch in Dhaka is very close to the one Aus got in Pune. The soil is loose and the turn will become unpredictable. #BANvAUS
— Gav Joshi (@Gampa_cricket) August 27, 2017
15th over: Bangladesh 44-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 15)
Finally a run! Shakib squirts a single into the leg side to end a run of 27 dot balls. Otherwise a tight over from Lyon to restart play after drinks.
So, an hour into the first day of the first of two Tests and Australia hold the upper hand. After winning the toss Bangladesh struggled against the pace of Pat Cummins, staggering to 10-3, but since then Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan have steadied the ship.
The pitch is playing truly for the seamers but there’s steepling bounce for Nathan Lyon, and no little turn on occasion. Plenty of excellent cricket while the rain remains no immediate threat.
Updated
14th over: Bangladesh 43-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 14)
The runs have dried up for Bangladesh with Hazlewood and Lyon bowling in tandem. After the frenetic start just one run has been scored in the past four overs with Smith sure to be telling his troops during the drinks break to join those dots until they spell W.
52 Tests, 6,996 runs, an average of 99.94.#OnThisDay in 1908, cricket's greatest ever batsman, the one and only Sir Don Bradman was born. pic.twitter.com/TZcA54wvAZ
— ICC (@ICC) August 27, 2017
13th over: Bangladesh 43-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 14)
Lyon again finding prodigious bounce from one or two deliveries per over. Shakib and Tamim are chasing them too, looking to score off length because anything full is just being patted back to the bowler. Twice Shakib looks like he might have offered a chance to Wade but on both occasions the bounce beat his outside edge.
12th over: Bangladesh 43-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 14)
Cummins’ superb five over spell concludes with Hazlewood back into the attack. And it’s a typical Hazlewood over, finding his groove after the change of ends and almost luring Tamim into a soft dismissal, the opener swishing and missing at a wide half-volley.
11th over: Bangladesh 43-3 (Tamim 17, Shakib 14)
Lyon probing from around the wicket to the left-handers, searching for that extra bounce around off stump but throwing in the occasional quicker one at the pads. One absolute belter just misses Shakib’s off stump. Good signs for Lyon as he chases Richie Benaud’s Test wicket haul.
10th over: Bangladesh 42-3 (Tamim 16, Shakib 14)
Cummins continues to charge in and continues to cause issues with his extra bounce. Shakib again trying to get forward but being surprised by a length ball that clips his glove but loops and dies well short of second slip.
Shakib decides to stop faffing about with those kind of deliveries, instead staying leg side of the ball, freeing his arms and driving on the up over point. Excellent morning of Test cricket so far.
Pitch exploding a little. Lots of footmarks already developed. Australia's made early impression with Cummins. I ❤️ Test cricket #BanvAus
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 27, 2017
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9th over: Bangladesh 36-3 (Tamim 15, Shakib 9)
Oooh, bounce and turn for Lyon against Tamim, the bounce in particular exploding off the surface. A couple of unplayable deliveries there but both from short of a length giving the batsman time to get his bat out of the way. Can he find that assistance on a good length?
8th over: Bangladesh 34-3 (Tamim 13, Shakib 9)
Cummins is still creating chances. Shakib this time going after one that was a bit quicker than expected but his thick edge flies over the cordon for four. Apart from that miscue, this pair look pretty comfortable at the crease now, even against Cummins’ extra bounce.
7th over: Bangladesh 28-3 (Tamim 12, Shakib 4)
Nathan Lyon into the attack early on with two left-handers at the crease. Not the most auspicious start though with four byes down the leg-side to a delivery that failed to turn or bounce. Tamim then opens his shoulders and launches Lyon miles into the Dhaka sky and away for six. That was a glorious stroke of pure abandon.
6th over: Bangladesh 18-3 (Tamim 6, Shakib 4)
Early indication of the class of Shakib Al Hasan, getting on top of a fraction of width from Cummins and guided to the third-man boundary. He looked to have all the time in the world to play that stroke, in contrast to the carnage Cummins has been responsible for.
No hat trick...
5th over: Bangladesh 14-3 (Tamim 6, Shakib 0)
Better from Bangladesh (well, it could hardly get worse, could it?). Tamim pulls Hazlewood hard for four. I’m not sure he’d go for the same stroke against Cummins, but it was controlled and well executed.
Now, Cummins on a hat-trick!
Tell you what.. @patcummins30 landing more punches in two overs than anything in #MayweatherMcGregor #BANvAUS
— Trent Copeland (@copes9) August 27, 2017
Pretty sure this is the only radio feed of the series. Join the good people at WLW. #BANvAUS https://t.co/fqzZnas4oH
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) August 27, 2017
WICKET! Sabbir c Wade b Cummins 0 (Bangladesh 10-3)
What’s happened here? Fast away swinging beauty from Cummins, Australia go up for the catch behind, and it’s given! Reviewed immediately by Sabbir Rahman, but ultra edge reveals a clear deviation and Cummins has his third! It looked as though the noise could have been bat hitting ground at the same time the ball passed, but that is salmon trout.
Incredible start by Australia.
Updated
WICKET! Imrul c Wade b Cummins 0 (Bangladesh 10-2)
If Hazlewood is targeting the top of off, Cummins is aiming for broken fingers. His slightly shorter length is really testing Bangladesh, hitting the upper portion of the bat hard, causing the battalion of close fielders to hop and grimace after each delivery.
But it’s the fuller one that does the trick! Half-volley length outside off, Imrul swings and feathers a nick that Wade does well to collect as it dies on him. Soft dismissal and Australia rampant!
Updated
3rd over: Bangladesh 10-1 (Tamim 2, Imrul 0)
Hazlewood’s found that line and length he inevitably finds, the one that stalks the top of off stump and gives the batsman no room to manoeuvre. The unexpected extra bounce has brought a short-leg into play but he’s not called on during a tight maiden.
I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but Hazlewood’s crew cut enhances his similarity to the Brain from Pinky and the Brain.
2nd over: Bangladesh 10-1 (Tamim 2, Imrul 0)
Fantastic start by Australia and Pat Cummins. Pretty ordinary batting by Soumya Sarkar but terrific fast bowling nonetheless.
Australia with the early breakthrough.
WICKET! Soumya c Handscomb b Cummins 8 (Bangladesh 10-1)
Pat Cummins shares the new ball with Hazlewood and he’s immediately more dangerous. With his extra pace and stronger action a length ball spits at Soumya, takes the shoulder of the bat but loops agonisingly over the cordon and away for four.
Not to worry, just two balls later he gets his man! Similar delivery, finds the shoulder of the bat and taken by Handscomb in gully.
1st over: Bangladesh 5-0 (Tamim 1, Soumya 4)
A very closely cropped Josh Hazlewood opens proceedings for Australia to the left-handed Tamim Iqbal. There’s decent carry for Hazlewood but Timam uses it to his advantage to nurdle the first runs of the series in front of square on the leg side.
Hazlewood is trying a few different lengths in his opening half-dozen, probing to establish how much swing might be on offer with the new ball. He learns anything short stands up to be smacked with Soumya Sarkar cutting powerfully for four to complete the over.
Good start for Bangladesh.
First ball of the series. Should be a cracker. #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/lkA0Z4vM6O
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) August 27, 2017
Updated
Players are on the way out and the first ball of the series is seconds away.
Ed Rainsford’s pitch report highlights how dry the surface is with cracks already visible. Batting last is expected to be tough but so will the first hour or so with the new ball in muggy conditions. An excellent tussle in prospect.
Updated
Bangladesh bowling coach and West Indies legend Courtney Walsh! #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/UTkMF1D0YF
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 27, 2017
It’s a Roy and HG style ‘too much sport is never enough’ kind of a day.
If you want to keep an eye on what else is happening in Australian sport, Kate O’Halloran is on deck for Sportwatch.
While Tom Lutz will navigate you through the orgy of excess that is Mayweather vs McGregor.
As always, feel free to get in touch, it’s much more fun when you do. The easiest method is Twitter - @JPHowcroft - but email can work too.
It would be remiss to go any further without mentioning the weather. Rain is expected in Dhaka throughout the Test match, with a very real possibility no result will be achieved.
The forecast for today is hot (around 30C), humid (85% humidity) and wet, with the afternoon session in particular at risk of a downpour or two. We are in monsoon season, so I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised.
All of that means that although this is very much a bat first pitch, Australia’s pacemen should have some atmospheric assistance early on.
It’s subcontinental pitch cliche time again. Some other Australian outlets have selected the word ‘minefield’ for use in their headlines to describe a typically Bangladeshi 22-yard track that, unless it conforms specifically to Australian preconceptions of a ‘good’ pitch (whatever that means) is either explicitly, or implicitly dodgy.
Steve Smith was more diplomatic during the week with the predictable and sage suggestion that “it’ll be pretty slow and take some spin, particularly as the game goes on.” More interestingly, Smith added: “I think they had some practice on that wicket a week or so ago, so it’s been used,” indicating a more worn surface than might otherwise be expected.
An hour from the scheduled toss, here is the track. A lot of rain overnight. Very hot and humid now. #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/CA5b9NrvEl
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) August 27, 2017
Bangladesh XI
To borrow the words of Adam Collins - Bangladesh go in with three spinners. They’ve left out local speed machine Taskin Ahmed in favour of Shafiul as the second seamer.
Adam’s doubly disappointed because: “I went to his parents’ house yesterday and got to see the cow they are going to sacrifice for Eid later in the week.”
#BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/xZhHeJlRdj
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 27, 2017
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Australian XI
Warner, Renshaw, Khawaja, Smith (c), Handscomb, Maxwell, Wade, Agar, Cummins, Lyon, Hazlewood.
Australia go in as expected which means recalls for Usman Khawaja and Ashton Agar. Khawaja profits from the dropping of Shaun Marsh while Agar benefits from Steve O’Keefe’s off-field indiscretions to occupy the second spinner role.
“I think he’s come a long way over the last year particularly,” Smith said about Agar. “He’s been bowling very well in the nets. His lengths have been exceptional, so if he can get those right in the game I’m sure he’ll have a big impact for us.”
Elsewhere, injuries to Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson limit the pace bowling options but Josh Hazlewood showed in India he can lead an attack in the most unfavourable of conditions.
Bangladesh win the toss and will bat
After losing five tosses in a row Mushfiqur Rahim calls correctly and his side will have first use of a pitch expected to help his spinners from the off.
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was won the toss and elected to BAT first #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/P2GC7VQbDV
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 27, 2017
Preamble
Good afternoon everybody and welcome to live coverage of the first day’s play of Australia’s two-Test tour of Bangladesh.
Where would you like to head for context? Let’s begin with this being Australia’s first Test series against Bangladesh in 11 years (or 4178 days). Just dwell on that for a moment. There are only ten Test playing countries and two of them have avoided each other in the time it took Mitchell Johnson to debut, terrorise batsmen throughout the world, and retire. It is a damning indictment on cricket’s administrators - Australia’s in particular - that so little has been done to support the development of the game in its most obvious growth market.
Series in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2015 were all scrapped for one reason or another, and this two-Test affair seemed likely to go the way of its predecessors when Cricket Australia and the players’ union were at loggerheads. Hopefully this series will be worth the wait.
For Australia this tour now exists as the final pre-Ashes tune up. The conditions in Bangladesh clearly don’t make for like-for-like preparations but the personnel that will take on England later this year will largely be the same. That means more exposure for Matt Renshaw at the top of the order, further opportunities for Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell to secure their spots in the top order, and another chance for Matthew Wade to prove he deserves to ‘Nice Gary!’ long-term.
It’s also the latest challenge in the development of Steve Smith. Smith has won half his 24 matches as skipper and he now appears to have established the core group that will receive his instructions for the remainder of his tenure. This is undeniably Smith’s team now, and you can see it taking on its captain’s imprimatur, young, hungry and focussed. Nathan Lyon’s comment this week about Smith instituting a “no whingeing policy” with regard to pitch conditions caught the eye.
For Bangladesh this is an opportunity to convert promise into history. An exciting young team ran England close earlier this year and they will sense a golden opportunity to roll a big Test nation, especially one that struggles in subcontinental conditions and arrives without any warm-up matches to acclimatise.
Much of the home side’s hopes rest on Shakib Al Hasan - profiled in this excellent Tim Wigmore interview. The highest ranked allrounder in Test cricket offers a great deal with bat and ball, but perhaps even more significantly he leads from the front with a bullish attacking outlook. He told Wigmore: “Previously the mindset was to draw against big teams – try to play five days, make a draw - but we never used to get the result. Then we started thinking ‘let’s try to win – let’s try to play and win the game’. It’s the mindset that changed, and that made us believe that we can win.”
But this is far from a one-man team, especially with the ball, where a youthful attack will challenge Australia’s ability to adapt to unfamiliar conditions. Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan is still only 19 but he terrorised England, 21-year old left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman has burst onto the scene with extraordinary numbers, his average of 23 in Tests is his highest in any format of the game and he dovetails beautifully with the legitimately quick 22-year old Taskin Ahmed.
A lot has happened in the last 11 years. This is not the Bangladesh of old that offered a gimme series and a nightwatchman a famous double-century. If the weather holds off long enough, this should be a fascinating battle.
Jonathan will be here shortly. In the meantime, have a read of Adam’s series preview:
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