Bangladesh vs England: Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid rescue tourists with the bat, before Zafar Ansari bags his first Test wickets
CHRIS WOAKES and Adil Rashid did their best with the bat but England are still facing a very trcky situation in the Second Test.
Woakes and Rashid came together with England perilously-placed at 144-8 and still a long way adrift of Bangladesh's first innings total of 220.
They produced a skilful alliance of 99 runs and that is England's highest-ever ninth-wicket partnership in a Test in Asia.
England were able to cobble together a lead of 24 runs but that was soon wiped away by the Bangladesh openers.
By the close of day two, Bangladesh had reached 152-3 in their second innings and were 128 runs ahead.
England’s position would have been even worse if Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah had not aimed a wild heave at what turned out to be the final ball of the day. He missed, was bowled and gave debutant Zafar Ansari his second wicket.
The way the home team rattled along at five runs-an-over seized the initiative and England look certain to face a very difficult run chanse in their second innings.
This match is not going to see a fifth day - and maybe not even a fourth day - but it has been action-packed while it has lasted.
The ball has been spinning and batsmen's techniques and mental strength have been tested. Only a few have so far emerged with credit.
Joe Root made a half-century but it was a struggle for most of England's batsmen.
At the start of the second day, Moeen Ali missed an attempted sweep shot and was bowled while Ben Stokes was snaffled at short leg for a duck.
Jonny Bairstow looked comfortable before playing across the line and being lbw for 24. Ansari scored just 13 in his first Test innings.
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It was Woakes and Rashid, who are good enough batsmen to be regarded as genuine all-rounders, who hauled England from their dire predicament.
Woakes had one slice of fortune when he pulled a full toss straight to mid-wicket on 38 but the TV umpire adjudged the ball was above waist height and therefore a no-ball. Woakes was caught at leg slip for 46 soon afterwards.
Rashid remained 44 not out when last man Steven Finn was caught behind. Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan, aged just 18 and playing only his second Test, finished with 6-82.
It was a huge effort by Woakes and Rashid but England soon undid much of their good work by conceding runs far too easily.
Ansari took his first Test wicket when Tamim Iqbal was held round the corner and Stokes coaxed Mominul Haque into guiding a catch to first slip.
But England's spinners were once again a big disappointment.
Moeen couldn't replicate his bowling from the first innings and Ansari was again expensive. Rashid sent down his usual cocktail of long hops and ill-directed deliveries.
Truly, at Test level, Rashid looks a better batsman than he is bowler.
Imrul Kayes and Mahmadullah put on 86 for the third wicket before Mahmudullah’s rush of blood.