Bangladesh’s debutant off-spinner Mehedi Hasan mesmerised England with a five-wicket haul, however England’s middle-order fightback left the opening Test in Chittagong delicately poised at the conclusion of day one.

The 18-year-old made the most of the spin-friendly conditions to take 5-64 from 33 overs, at one stage reducing the tourists to 21-3 - only for half-centuries from Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow to help England reach 258-7 by the close.

England captain Alastair Cook elected to bat having won the toss on his 134th Test appearance - and debutant batsman Ben Duckett was bowled by Mehedi in the 10th over for 14. 

Cook, who had earlier overtaken Alec Stewart to become England's all-time record Test match appearance maker, was bowled by Shakib Al Hasan three balls later for four.

Gary Ballance also fell to Mehedi in the early stages, before a steady partnership from Joe Root and Moeen steadied the ship and took the visitors to the lunch break on 81-3.

The drama continued early in the afternoon session, as Moeen was twice given out LBW in one Shakib over and was saved by the referral system on both occasions.

Bangladesh did break the partnership shortly afterwards, however, when Root (40) edged a Mehedi delivery to Sabbir Rahman at first slip.

Spin continued to cause problems as Ben Stokes (18), was bowled by a beauty from Shakib to leave England 106-5 in the 41st over.

Moeen had to endure five reviews in total before bringing up his half-century, his eighth in Test cricket, off 127 deliveries.

A 50 partnership between the Worcestershire all-rounder and wicketkeeper Bairstow helped take the score to 173-5 at tea.

The partnership - and Moeen's innings - was finally broken shortly after the break as the left-hander nicked another impressive Mehedi delivery behind for 68, leaving England 194-6.

Bairstow continued the fightback and brought up a 50 of his own. Earlier dropped in the slip cordon, the wicketkeeper/batsman made the most of the opportunity and brought up the eleventh half-century of his Test career.

The powerful Yorkshireman also fell to Mehedi shortly after reaching the landmark, handing the debutant his fifth dismissal of a memorable day, leaving Chris Woakes (36*) and Adil Rashid (5*) to  survive the remainder of the evening session.

 

Nottinghamshire Members can take in every moment of the absorbing red ball contests & explosive one day encounters that characterise the county cricket season, as well as gaining priority access to tickets for Test cricket's return to Trent Bridge.

Become part of the priveleged and join our Club now...