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Australia vs. Bangladesh, second Test day two in Chittagong

DAVID Warner will want to buy a lottery ticket after being gifted a life by an “unbelievable” flop late on day two in Bangladesh.

Tyson Otto and Alex Blair
11 min read
September 5, 2017 - 8:52PM
Whoops.
Whoops.

Australia v Bangladesh 2nd Test

Nathan Lyon, David Warner and Peter Handscomb have given Australia all the momentum they need to take the match by the scruff of the neck tomorrow on day three.

A Nathan Lyon masterclass tied up the Tigers in the first innings as the home side crumbled on day two. The Aussies’ premier spinner took 7-94, his third best in Tests, to bring Bangladesh to a modest total of 305.

Australia’s David Warner and Peter Handscomb have fought through a tiresome final session to bring Australia within 80 runs of the home side’s first innings total.

Australia 2/225 after 64 overs. (Warner 88, Handscomb 69)

Bangladesh 305

9:15pm

Freak moment saves Warner, Handscomb goes down

Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim has dropped a golden opportunity to send David Warner back to the sheds after the Aussie advanced down the wicket late on day two.

Both Warner and Rahim were deceived by a low-bouncing ball, which Warner missed and presented the Tigers’ skipper a stumping served up on a plate.

But the ball smacked into his pads and gave the Aussie vice-captain a chance to scurry back into his crease.

“That is unbelievable,” commentators shouted.

Shortly after, Peter Handscomb had to take a break from the sweltering heat, bending over in exhaustion and bringing Aussie support staff to the field.

Handscomb was luckily able to fight through the final 15 minutes but came off the field looking like death at stumps.

8:15pm

Handscomb brings up fifty

Peter Handscomb has toiled away under the hot Chittagong sun all afternoon and now has something to flaunt to selectors.

The 25-year-old brought up his fifty a from 74 balls late in the day as Bangladesh struggled for answers. David Warner looks comfortable in his role turning over the strike, shaking things up from his usually-dominant role at the crease.

Australia passed the 200 mark shortly after Handscomb raised the bat.

7:15pm

Warner brings up milestone

David Warner has hit his 50 after the tea break.

The Aussie opener has begun to build a solid partnership with Peter Handscomb at No. 4 as both batsmen begin to open up the scoring.

The 30-year-old was granted a life soon after his milestone after being dropped by Mominul Haque in close on the leg side.

Handscomb has begun to dig his toes in as the final hour approaches, making his way into the 30s as Warner places a measured knock with a strike rate of 51.56.

6:10pm

Smith brings up 50, pays for it soon after

Skipper Smith had a nasty brain fade.
Skipper Smith had a nasty brain fade.

Steve Smith brought up his half century after steadying the ship midway through the day’s play. The Aussie skipper played a few loose shots early in his knock but settled down and worked himself into a rhythm.

But he didn’t last long after raising the bat.

Smith was clean bowled through the gate by Taijul Islam on his first ball of his new spell, sending the Aussie captain back to the sheds shaking his head and shouting to himself.

David Warner has taken a rare back-seat role this innings, making a measured 33* from 66 balls.

6pm

Security scare under investigation

Bangladesh police say they’re investigating after the Australian team bus was damaged by a small rock or stone as it travelled to the hotel after the opening day of the second cricket test, although they think it was likely related to roadworks.

Police said the road was under renovation and it was likely that some small construction debris hit the window of the bus.

“We think there was no major incident,” Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Iqbal Bahar said. “The road ... went into renovation and a small piece of stone unexpectedly hit the window after coming under the security car and hit the team bus.”

He said an investigation team had been formed and the route for the Australian team had been changed. Cricket Australia’s security manager Sean Carroll said security had been upgraded as a precaution.

“To date we have been happy with security measures that have been in place and we are comfortable with the response from the Bangladesh authorities and the increased security presence we have been provided in light of the incident,” Carroll said in a statement. “En route to the hotel last night a window on the Australian team bus was broken. No one was injured in the incident.” The Bangladesh Cricket Board said a committee has been formed comprising security agencies to investigate, and it has taken the matter with utmost seriousness.

“The Board has been in constant communication with the Australian team management,” the BCB said in a statement.

“As added assurance, security measures have been enhanced on the travelling route of the teams. The Australia cricket team has expressed its satisfaction and comfort with the security operation in place and has appreciated the response from the BCB and the local authorities.”

— with AAP

5:48pm

Usman Khawaja looks thrilled with his new gig

Usman looks absolutely thrilled with his new gig.
Usman looks absolutely thrilled with his new gig.

Usman Khawaja has shifted from arguably the best job in the cricketing world to the worst in a matter of days.

The 30-year-old was dropped from the side after a disappointing performance at No. 3 in Dhaka and has found himself appointed as Australia’s chief umbrella-man for the match.

Khawaja stood with a giant parasol to keep David Warner and Steve Smith cool during the drinks break — and boy did it look awkward.

5:31pm

Proof Australia still misses Ricky Ponting

Trail and error just doesn’t seem to be working for Australia in their bid to find a long-term No. 3.

The Aussies sit next to Sri Lanka as the most indecisive teams in the world with their top order over the past five years. 13 men have been shifted into first drop since Ricky Ponting’s retirement in 2012 — and nobody seems to be able to hold the position for too long.

You’d be forgiven if you couldn’t name the entire baker’s dozen who attempted to fill the role since the iconic skipper’s cricketing swan song.

Steve Smith, easily Australia’s best bat, regularly comes in at second drop but was shifted up to No. 3 for the first innings after Usman Khawaja was dropped.

The numbers never lie.
The numbers never lie.

4:54pm

Smith, Warner start strong after lunch

David Warner and Steve Smith have begun to build Australia’s innings after the break. The captain and deputy haven’t been worried by the spinners on the day two pitch and have begun to time the ball to perfection.

Warner was troubled by seamer Mustafizur Rahman in the third over after lunch, though, playing and missing a wide delivery before hastily digging out an attempted yorker.

3:50pm

Rahim blinder ends Renshaw

Sensational catch from Mushfiqur Rahim.
Sensational catch from Mushfiqur Rahim.

Aussie youngster Matt Renshaw has departed on four after edging a ball down the leg side off the bowling of seamer Mustafizur Rahman.

The 20-year-old attempted a leg glance early in his innings but was caught off guard as the ball seamed off the pitch.

Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim pulled off a blinder of a catch, sailing through the air and taking the grab in one hand.

Steve Smith and David Warner head to lunch after surviving the awkward four overs before the break.

3:35pm

Lyon’s seventh seals the deal, O’Keefe’s historic flop

Nathan Lyon has finished the first innings with 7-94, his third-best figures in Test match cricket. The Aussie off-spinner snagged Taijul Islam as the tailender went for a huge drive through the off side and edged it to skipper Steve Smith at first slip.

His huge haul made Steve O’Keefe look a little out of touch. The Aussie left-armer, who was controversially brought back into the side for the second Test, bowled 23 overs with no maidens, the most since Geoff Lawson in 1979.

Australia now has an awkward 15 minutes to bat through before lunch.

3.30pm

Freak Warner’s incredible direct hit

David Warner produced a direct hit from the outfield to trap Mehidy Hasan Miraz short of his crease when sprinting back for two from a dribble down to third man.

Warner gave chase and threw with a snappy U-turn to catch Mehidy more than a foot short of his ground.

Warner’s throw left Bangladesh 9/296.

3.25pm

Agar-agar removes last recognised batsman

Ashton Agar got one to skid through to remove Nasir Hossain for 45 midway through the first session of play.

Agar’s second wicket of the innings came with some help from keeper Matt Wade after Agar’s tweaker stayed low and collected the bottom edge of Nasir’s blade as he tried to play a cramped late cut before the ball finished in Wade’s gloves. Nasir fell for 45 to leave Bangladesh 8/293.

3pm

Lyon on verge of most destructive two-Test series record

All hail the GOAT.
All hail the GOAT.

Nathan lyon’s sixth wicket in Bangladesh’s first innings has him within striking distance of the best bowling figures ever by an Aussie in a two-test series.

Lyon claimed nine wickets in the First Test and his haul of six wickets before drinks in the first session of the second day of play has him just three wickets away from setting another Australian record.

The most wickets claimed by an Aussie in a two-Test series has stood for more than 130 years since JJ Ferris claimed 18 wickets in the 1887 Ashes in Australia.

Lyon had 15 wickets before the first drinks break on day two with Australia needing 13 more Bangladesh scalps in the Second Test.

It is one of many records Lyon’s superb bowling has brought into view.

His five wicket haul on the opening day of play saw him become the first Australian since Shane Warne in 1994 to snatch a five-for in three straight Tests.

2.35pm

Lyon makes key breakthrough

Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon struck in his first over on day two to bring Australia right back into the contest in Chittagong.

Lyon cleaned up danger man Mushfiqur Rahim with a pitched-up floater that collected an inside edge and crashed into the Bangladesh captain’s pegs.

It gave Lyon figures of 6/77 and saw Bangladesh fall to 7/265 when Rahim fell for 68.

1.50pm

Aussie great says ‘panicked’ selectors made ‘staggering’ O’Keefe call

Queue jumper.
Queue jumper.

Aussie cricket great Darren Berry has given Australian Test selectors an almighty serve over the decision to r-call spinner Steve O’Keefe for the second Test against Bangladesh.

O’Keefe was recalled when quick Josh Hazlewood suffered a side strain in the First Test loss to the home side despite being suspended by NSW for this year’s one-day domestic competition and fined $20,000 over a drunken outburst towards a female cricketer at a Cricket NSW function in April.

Berry said it is “staggering” that O’Keefe was recalled despite his string of off-field incidents.

“I am baffled by what is going on,” Berry said on SEN Afternoons.

“I’ve got no issues with Stephen myself — I think he’s a very good Shield bowler. (He’s) not a very big spinner of the ball — (he took) none for 70 yesterday.

“Facts are, if they are serious, he shouldn’t have been there.

“How does he jump from not in the squad for practice, to in the team?”

“Selectors have to make the call and clearly the captain obviously gets a fairly strong say in who he wants in the side.

“It is staggering. What does Jon Holland have to do?”

Berry said selectors panicked after leg spinner Mitch Swepson struggled to make an impact when bowling during the Australian trial games in Darwin.

“He went to Darwin and bowled a pile of poo,” Berry said.

“So then they panicked and thought maybe we’ve made the wrong call here. That’s a fact.”

1.15pm

Aussies’ scary bus attack

No players were harmed during the incident.
No players were harmed during the incident.

The Australian cricket team bus was hit by a rock that damaged a window on its way to the team hotel following the first day of play in Chittagong.

Cricket Australia has confirmed it has beefed up its security measures in Chittagoing after a small rock broke a window on the Aussie team transport.

The bus was travelling in an armed convoy between the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium and the team hotel in Chittagong on Monday evening when the incident happened.

No players or officials were harmed. It’s understood the team masseuse was sitting closest to the window but there was no broken glass in the bus. Cricket Australia have denied reports the object thrown was a brick, saying it was believed instead to be a small rock or stone.

It’s believed the object may have been thrown by a child as the team bus passed by.

“En route back to the hotel last night, a window on the Australian team bus was broken,” Cricket Australia head of security Sean Carroll said.

“Team security personnel are currently in discussion with local authorities while they investigate the cause which is believed to have come from a small rock or stone.

“Bangladesh authorities are taking the incident seriously and security has been increased on the route.” The incident sent a scare through the Australian camp given the heavy security that has enveloped the tour.

The Australian squad have been afforded a level of security usually granted to visiting heads of state, with roads blocked off and armed guards patrolling crowds while the convoy is moving.

Australia had been scheduled to tour Bangladesh in 2015 but it was called off due to fears of terrorist attacks targeting Australian nationals. Eighteen foreigners were killed by militants at a bakery popular among Westerners in Dhaka in July 2016.

“To date we have been happy with security measures that have been in place and we are comfortable with the response from the Bangladesh authorities and the increased security presence we have been provided in light of the incident,” Carroll said.

12.45pm

Khawaja will get another shot: Lyon

Nathan Lyon has backed Usman Khawaja to bounce back from the disappointment of his Test axing and make a big impact in the summer Ashes series. Khawaja’s long-awaited return to national duties lasted just one match after he was dropped from Australia’s XI for the second Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

The elegant left-hander has an exceptional record at home but averages just 14.62 on the subcontinent and could only manage two runs during the first Test loss in Dhaka.

With Australia playing three spinners in a Test for the first time in more than a decade, batting all-rounder Hilton Cartwright was brought in to provide backup to sole quick Pat Cummins.

“We have selected a team for this Test based on playing the conditions we are faced with in Chittagong,” national chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said on Monday.

“The inclusion of Cartwright is warranted, he brings solid batting to the side and also gives the captain an extra medium-pace option due to Pat Cummins being the only fast-bowler in the XI.” It continues a nightmare year for Khawaja, who went almost eight months without representing his country in any format before being recalled to the Test side in Dhaka.

At 30, it remains to be seen whether he will again be entrusted with batting on the subcontinent.

But with the Ashes looming, Lyon has backed Khawaja to dust himself off and put together another high-quality summer.

“Ussie’s an unbelievable player,” the off-spinner said.

“If Test cricket was easy, everyone would do it, that’s the thing that you’ve got to remember. We’re facing quality bowlers.

“He had one run-out and then a sweep shot that he’s been working on in the nets. No doubt, I’m backing Ussie to bounce back and have a massive summer for Australian cricket.” Khawaja’s axing spared wicketkeeper Matthew Wade from meeting the same fate, with Australia’s selectors opting not to risk handing the gloves to part-timer Peter Handscomb.

Wade capped off a strong performance with the brilliant stumping of Shabbir Rahman (66) off the bowling of Lyon shortly before stumps.

“It’s massive. We talk about having energy and intent when we go out on the field there ... he got good reward from that stumping today,” Lyon said. “It wasn’t the best ball I’ve ever bowled, but I thought he did a pretty good job in severe heat.”

—AAP

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-vs-bangladesh-live-second-test-day-one-in-chittagong/news-story/8af552b6d5edf8916d39746098ddb061