Also read: Bangladesh fight back with early strikes after posting 260 against Australia
Tamim charges LyonIt was predicted before the Test match that the wicket could be spin friendly. And the spinners did get some help from the pitch on day one. After surviving Pat Cummins’ fiery spell, the main threat was supposed to come from the experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon. But Tamim and Shakib handled Lyon well, particularly the former, who was aggressive against the offie. Tamim charged down the ground against Lyon on several occasions and smashed three sixes and one four. At the end of the day, Lyon praised these two and informed that he was impressed by the way the fourth wicket duo batted against him.Mysterious weatherThe weather was a big concern ahead of the first Test as there was heavy rainfall on the eve of the game. But the day started brightly in the morning. Weather was initially overcast in Mirpur but suddenly, the sun shone through, which is quite unlikely in this part of the world. The weather behaved somewhat like in England where sunshine and rain within a few minutes are regular occurance. Finally, the rain arrived in the 67th over and play stopped for nearly half an hour. But surprisingly, just after the rain break, the sun’s rays came scorching down. It looked like it never rained!
Also read: Tamim, Shakib rise again for Bangladesh in hour of need
Bad start for Aussies as wellBangladesh were all out for 260 in the 79th over. That means there was still nine-10 overs of game time remaining. But that short period of time proved very handy for the host as they picked up three Australian wickets in just nine overs. The dangerous David Warner and top-order batsman Usman Khawaja’s wickets were extremely valuable, along with nightwatchman Lyon’s dismissal. Australia were under pressure during that short period of time as Shakib and off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz bowled wicket to wicket and gave no room to the Aussies. And the result? Australia were three down for 18 after day one. Game on then.