Bangladesh's aggressive battingMany were wondering how Bangladesh would approach the beginning of the third day's play. Would they block their way to a substantial lead or would they come out all guns blazing? The Tigers did the latter, adding 144 quickfire runs in 35.5 overs at more than four runs per over before losing their remaining seven wickets. At the end of the day, their approach paid off as the Bangladesh bowlers got enough time to skittle England out in 45.3 overs.
This was a common scene throughout the third day's play
DHAKA TRIBUNEEngland's missed opportunitiesEngland needed regular wickets in the morning session to restrict Bangladesh quickly. But the first session proved to be lucky for the Tigers as the visitors missed five chances. Firstly, captain Alastair Cook dropped Imrul Kayes in the 37th over bowled by Zafar Ansari. Then, Joe Root dropped Imrul again in the 42nd over, this time off Moeen Ali’s bowling. Wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow soon missed a stumping opportunity of Shakib al Hasan in the 47th over. The fourth one though was the easiest of the lot. In the 49th over, Shakib played a slog sweep against Ansari as Ben Duckett grassed a regulation catch at deep mid-wicket. The last one was probably the toughest one as Steven Finn tried in vain to catch Mushfiqur Rahim at mid-off in the 51st over. This is quite unbecoming for a good fielding outfit like England.
Bangladesh's Mehedi Hasan Miraz initiated the slide by cleaning up England's Ben Duckett
DHAKA TRIBUNEDouble blow for England after teaEngland started their chase superbly. Opening batsmen Cook and Duckett were calmness personified, forming a 100-run partnership. The pair remained unbeaten till tea. And the 273-run target looked easy at that moment. But Bangladesh struck back in the very first ball after the tea break. Mehedi Hasan Miraz bowled a quicker and Duckett was playing for the turn but was trapped on the back foot. He was in no position to save his stumps from being disturbed. In the very next over, Shakib took the key wicket of Root and the Tigers were right back into the game.
One among numerous mind games between the two sides
DHAKA TRIBUNEMind gamesIt was a great day of Test cricket, full of drama and excitement. But besides the battle between bat and ball, it was also a test of nerve and character. All the mind games and sledging played an important role too. It was all started by England in the morning session when Bangladesh were scoring quick runs. England paceman Ben Stokes and Bairstow were frustrated and started chirping to unsettle Bangladesh. Later, when England were batting, the home side were also under pressure. And when wickets started to fall, the Tigers fielders were all charged up and started their mind games. Test of character and winning the mind games – these are also important in five-dayers besides batting, bowling and fielding.
Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena endured a nightmare series
DHAKA TRIBUNEDharmasena again!!!Umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s calls have been overturned numerous times during this Test series. And it continued on day three as well. Two calls were overturned against the Sri Lankan. The first instance happened in the 26th over. Miraz bowled to Cook, and he tried to sweep but missed. It was given out. But the review suggested it was missing the stumps! Later, Stokes took a review in the 42nd over. The call was overturned again. And so, the review nightmare continues for Dharmasena. No doubt, he will try to forget this series as soon as possible.
Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan sports a salute send-off
DHAKA TRIBUNEShakib's send-off to StokesStokes appeared dangerous during his 25-run innings. And in the 41st over, the Tigers fans imagined the worse when Shakib dropped Stokes. The Durham all-rounder came down the pitch and defended with both the bat and the pad. The ball looped up into the air briefly and Shakib, diving forward, missed it. Shakib though atoned for his mistake by breaching Stokes’ defence in his very next over before sporting a salute send-off, much like Marlon Samuels last year during a bilateral series.
Bangladesh captain celebrates with Miraz following England captain Alastair Cook's dismissal
DHAKA TRIBUNE100/0 to 164 all out!!!Bangladesh have faced quite a few batting collapses in this series. The hosts lost nine wickets for just 49 runs in the first innings of the Dhaka Test. But this time around, it was England who encountered a similar fate. Chasing 273, England were 100 without loss when tea was called. But after that, England lost their way, capitulating to 164 all out. As it were, Bangladesh made a remarkable comeback. What a drama! Test cricket at its best!