Lyon fires on tense opening day

Playing three specialist spinners alongside a lone quick for the first time in almost 40 years, the tourist ventured into largely uncharted territory which was boosted by Lyon’s 5-77 from 28 overs, his third five-fer in as many Tests. 

Australia was held up by a defiant 105run stand between captain Mushfiqur Rahim (62 not out) and his punchy sidekick Sabbir Rahman (66). Left-armer Ashton Agar (1-46 from 17 overs) continued his impressive return to Test cricket and was the day’s only other wicket-taker, as Mushfiqur and Nasir Hossain steered the hosts to stumps at 6-253. 

Somewhat incredibly, monsoonal rain that has battered the port city in the Bangladesh’s south-east in recent days and affected both team’s preparations were nowhere to be seen as Australia toiled for 90 overs in muggy heat on Monday.  

Before play began, all eyes were on who did and didn’t warm up for Australia after intense speculation this week over the positions of wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and batsman Usman Khawaja, as well as who would replace injured quick Josh Hazlewood.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 253/6 in 90 overs (Soumya Sarkar 33, Mominul Haque 31, M Rahim 62*, Sabbir Rahman 66, N Lyon 5/77) vs Australia.