Allrounder Shakib Al Hasan claimed five wickets to help dismiss Australia for 217 and give Bangladesh the upper hand on the second day of the opening Test on Monday. Australia, who resumed the day on a precarious 18-3, were bowled out early in the final session for 217 to hand the hosts a 43-run first-innings lead. By stumps they had increased that to an 88-run advantage for the loss of one wicket. Shakib, who finished with 5-68 and also top-scored in Bangladesh’s first innings with 84, was ably supported by off-spinner Mehedi Hasan.
Mehedi claimed three wickets for 62 including the prized scalp of skipper Steve Smith for eight.
The hosts reached 45-1 at stumps in their second innings,with opener Tamim Iqbal on 30 and nightwatchman Taijul Islam yet to score.
Australia also had Agar to thank for helping get them close to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 260 after their regular batsmen struggled against spin.
Agar, batting at number nine, made an unbeaten 41 and shared a crucial stand of 49 with Pat Cummins, taking Australia past the 200 mark after Shakib and Mehedi had the visitors on the ropes.
