Bangladesh hit back after strong England start

If England had the better of the opening session in the second Test at Chittagong, Bangladesh could take more credit from the second, with a spell of four wickets for eight runs that propelled them dramatically back into contention. At tea a half century partnership between Nasser Hussain and Rikki Clarke had taken England to 188 for four.

The tourists' mid-session tribulations could hardly have been foreseen at lunch, when Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick had seen them serenely through to 88 without loss, Vaughan completing his second successive half century. At that point Khaled Mahmud must have doubted his decision to bowl first, influenced no doubt by yesterday's heavy rain.

Trescothick had a let-off on 36 just after the break, as a square drive off Mahmud eluded Mushfiqur Rahman. Reprieved, the Somerset left-hander took heavy toll of Enamul Haque Junior, going to his 50 with a straight drive and following with a six over midwicket that took him past 3,000 runs in Tests.

The Bangladesh captain made the first breakthrough in the next over, as a second, easier chance was safely held by Rahman at backward point. Trescothick's 60 had included five fours and three resounding sixes. England were 126 for one, but even then there was no hint of the collapse to follow, as a double bowling change by Mahmud reaped almost unimaginable dividends.

Mark Butcher was bowled playing back to the slow left arm of Mohammad Rafique. When Vaughan was caught behind in the next over, driving at Mashrafe Mortaza, England had slipped to 134 for three. Without addition Graham Thorpe got an inside edge on to his stumps from Mortaza without scoring and England had done another Dhaka.

Hussain and Clarke set about an urgently needed repair job, with Clarke particularly productive on the leg side as he took five boundaries in a partnership of 50 before tea. A side injury to Mortaza is a concern for Bangladesh going into the final session.

England have made two changes from the team that won the first Test by seven wickets, bringing in Richard Johnson for Stephen Harmison, who is to fly home tomorrow for a scan on his back injury. Martin Saggers was brought in to strengthen the seam attack, making his Test debut in place of Gareth Batty.