Root steadies England after spinners strike

Image
AFP Chittagong
Last Updated : Oct 20 2016 | 1:22 PM IST
Joe Root scored an unbeaten 38 to steady England after Bangladesh spinners grabbed three quick wickets at the start of the first Test in Chittagong today.
Moeen Ali was accompanying Root with a sedate 17 not out after England were left reeling at 21-3 before recovering to be 81-3 at lunch on the opening day.
Teenage off-spinner Mehedi Hasan made an immediate impression on his debut, bowling Ben Duckett for 14 before trapping Gary Ballance for one.
Shakib Al Hasan also removed England's Alastair Cook for just four, in a disappointing start for the skipper who becomes England's most capped player in this match with 134 Tests.
After Cook won the toss and elected to bat in the first of two Tests, England immediately faced a barrage of spin bowling.
Mehedi opened the attack for the hosts, beating Duckett on several occasions before he spun one beautifully to hit the middle stump as soon as the England debutant offered some room.
Three balls later Cook was also gone, attempting a sweep shot off Shakib only for the ball to hit him on the forearm and then the body before smashing onto the stumps.
Ballance was initially given not out lbw, but Bangladesh reviewed the decision in their favour, with the replay showing the ball had struck his pad on the back foot first before touching the bat.
Root clobbered two fours in the next over off Shakib and two fours off debutant pace bowler Kamrul Islam to seize some initiative for the visitors.
Ali survived a nervous review on 16 after he was initially given out leg before off Shakib.
England have included Gareth Batty in the side, giving the Surrey captain his first natonal cap in more than 11 years, while Bangladesh have handed batsman Sabbir Rahman his debut.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 20 2016 | 1:22 PM IST

Next Story