SPORTS

Gutsy Warner leads Australia's strong reply on Day 2

September 05, 2017 18:17 IST

IMAGE: David Warner bats during Day 2. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

David Warner made 88 not out and featured in two significant partnerships to lead Australia's robust reply to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 305 in the second and final Test on Tuesday.


Smarting from their embarrassing defeat inside four days in Dhaka, Australia's top order fired up to help them reach 225 for two as the tourists at stumps on Day 2, still 80 runs behind, press for a pride-salvaging victory in Chittagong.

Known for his explosive batting, Warner hit only four boundaries in his patient knock as he kept Australia on course for a handy first-innings lead which often clinches Test matches in the subcontinent.

Peter Handscomb, Warner's partner in their unbroken 127-run stand, braved Bangladesh's relentless spin assault and dehydration to remain not out on 69. His fourth Test fifty included five boundaries.

Earlier, Nathan Lyon claimed 7-94, his second-best figure, as Bangladesh added 52 runs to their overnight score of 253 for six before collapsing.

IMAGE: Nathan Lyon holds up the ball after he took seven wickets in the first innings. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

The off-spinner, who had claimed five wickets on Monday, struck with his second delivery of the day, dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim for 68.

Ashton Agar dismissed the other overnight batsman Nasir Hossain for 45 with Matthew Wade, whose place in the playing eleven was in doubt going into the Test, taking a fine catch.

Warner then ran out Mehidy Hasan before Lyon dismissed Taijul Islam to claim his seventh wicket.

When Australia returned to bat, Mushfiqur took a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Matt Renshaw for four but Warner and Steve Smith raised 93 runs for the second wicket to overcome the loss.

Warner defended resolutely, letting Smith dominate their partnership, before the Australia skipper was bowled through the gate for 58 by spinner Taijul Islam. Smith hit eight boundaries in his fluent knock and was upset with himself for not carrying on.

IMAGE: Peter Handscomb affected by the heat during Day 2. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

New man in Handscomb proved an able ally as Warner frustrated Bangladesh with his compact defence, scoring largely through singles and twos.

The heat and humidity took a toll on Handscomb who looked dehydrated and needed medical attention towards the end before resuming batting.

Rahim wasted a stumping opportunity when Warner, then on 73, charged out to Mehidy Hasan and missed the ball which kept low and hit the stumper's pad.

Security was tightened around the match after the Australian team bus was hit by a rock on Monday.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Recommended by Rediff.com

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email