Talking points from day two of the second Test in Chittagong

A CRINGEWORTHY snap featuring Steve Smith and David Warner with a snubbed Australian star is the new definition of awkward.

Usman looks absolutely thrilled with his new gig.

AUSTRALIA finally has the momentum flowing its way after a dominant day of Test cricket in Chittagong.

Nathan Lyon dominated again with the ball, snagging figures of 7-94 as the home side crumbled in the first session. Steve Smith was looking at his usual best until a brain fade got the better of him. The Aussie skipper was clean-bowled through the gate by Taijul Islam shortly after bringing up his 50.

David Warner (88*) and Peter Handscomb (69*) are currently hard at work at the crease and have Australia at 2/225 and ready to take the match by the neck on day three.

They just have to avoid another signature subcontinent batting collapse.

Here are all the talking points from day two.

IS THIS THE WORST JOB IN CRICKET?

Usman Khawaja might be questioning why he ever got on the plane to Bangladesh after the horror week he’s had.

The 30-year-old was dropped from the side after a disappointing performance at No. 3 in Dhaka, which included running himself out and horribly mistiming a shot to get out when Australia needed him most in the second innings.

Selectors made the call to axe him and throw Steve Smith in at No. 3 instead, meaning Khawaja had to fulfil the dreaded 12th man duties.

The left-hander shifted from arguably the best job in the cricketing world to the worst in a matter of days, finding himself appointed as Australia’s chief umbrella-man for the match.

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

Uzzy looks absolutely thrilled with his new gig.

Peter Handscomb looked like he could have used Khawaja’s umbrella in the final session after dropping to his knees in exhaustion under the late afternoon sun.

Warner and Handscomb have been light on boundaries this innings and have been pushing hard between the wickets to get Australia to a solid total at the end of day two.

After you run your first 3 of the season #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/ZlRfDx7Oyh

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) September 5, 2017

SPINNERS SMASH 28-YEAR RECORD

Australia’s bold move to go with three spinners in Chittagong has paid off.

Ashton Agar and Nathan Lyon denied Aussie fast bowlers a single wicket in the first innings at Chittagong.

The last time that happened, Shane Warne hadn’t even scored a baggy green.

In a freak occurrence in 1989 against the West Indies, skipper Allan Border destroyed the touring side with his left-arm tweakers to finish with figures of 7-46. Spinners Peter Taylor and Trevor Hohns (who is now Australia’s head selector) chimed in with the other three wickets to sweep the Windies under the rug for 224.

Who says spin is dead?

LYON ON THE VERGE OF HUGE PIECE OF HISTORY

Nathan Lyon’s seventh 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 two 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 16 wickets before lunch on day two with 10 more Bangladesh scalps remaining in the series.

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.

NICE, GARRY.

‘HORROR’ SMITH MOMENT SLAMMED

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.

HANDSCOMB’S ‘GLORIOUS’ FASHION STATEMENT

It’s the little things in life.

Peter Handscomb earned the praise of a number of cricket fans for his incredibly old-school look while batting in the last session on day two.

The 25-year-old opted to go with a wide-brim hat over the usual baggy green, looking like a 1980s Allan Border at the crease and pumping fans full of gooey nostalgia.

He isn’t the only Aussie to pay homage to the good old days though. George Bailey set social media abuzz early last year after running on the field with a golden floppy hat against India.

Old school test cricket move from Peter Handscomb, going with the wide brimmed floppy hat#BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/r1EqQQwtKT

— Duncan Huntsdale (@duncs_h) September 5, 2017

How gloriously #village is Handscomb batting with a wide-brimmed hat?#BANvAUS

— Daniel Cherny 📰 (@DanielCherny) September 5, 2017

Can't recall last time an Australian player batted in the Greg Chappell in a Test, maybe @ProfDeano? #BANvAUS

— Andrew Wu (@wutube) September 5, 2017