Cornered Tigers pounce on England

Tamim Iqbal led a spirited recovery for Bangladesh as the tourists posted 328 for five on the fourth day in their second innings of the first Test against England, a lead of 159 overall. Bangladesh, forced to follow on after being dismissed for 282, owed their fightback to opener Iqbal who batted with aggression to register his third Test century.

He was involved in a 185-run opening stand with Imrul Kayes, who supported his partner with an impressive 75. The two openers’ innings were contrasting yet brilliant. Kayes took 147 balls for his knock while Iqbal was his usual self, smashing 103 off only 100 deliveries.

The England attack – barring Steve Finn – looked toothless in front of the transformed Bangladesh batting that was dismissed cheaply a few hours ago. Even after two wickets in the space of four runs, Junaid Siddique (64*) and Jahurul Islam ensured that Bangladesh had a good chance to save the first of the two-match Test series.

Siddique and Islam added another 100 runs for the third wicket as Bangladesh ensured that England would need to bat again to win the Test.

Earlier, resuming on 237 for seven, England enforced the follow-on as Bangladesh were dismissed after adding 45 runs. Finn finished with four for 100 runs but it was James Anderson and Tim Bresnan who shared the three wickets between them. Anderson finished with an impressive four for 78 while Bresnan could only grab one for 76.

Published in the Express Tribune, May 31st, 2010.