Harmison, rain put Tigers on backfoot

A 15-minute spell of torrential rain all but spoiled the first day's play of the inaugural Test between Bangladesh and England yesterday.

Only 15 overs could be bowled on the day but that was enough for the tourists to send the hosts on the backfoot. At close, the Tigers had lost two important wickets for just 24 runs.

Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud won the much-desired toss and decided to make first use of the wicket under clear skies at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS).

But after only four overs had been bowled with Bangladesh one without loss, the skies suddenly opened up and within a few minutes, the whole ground was awash with rainwater.

Although it ended as quickly as it started, the wet onslaught was too much for the BNS to handle and it took another five and a half hours before the country's premier venue was fit for a resumption of play.

The umpires decided to hold 19 overs in the remaining time but ended four short due to bad light.

When they came out to bat for the second time, Bangladesh openers Javed Omar and Hannan Sarker were treated to a hostile spell from lanky Durham quick Stephen Harmison.

With the pitch behaving in a lively manner, Harmison had Omar (3) fending one to Rikki Clarke at gully with the score on 12. The bounce of the short-of-length delivery was too steep for Omar who just couldn't get out of the way after committing himself.

Bangladesh's top batsman Habibul Bashar arrived at the crease under generous applause from the 10,000-odd spectators. But the right-hander, who boasts a Test average of 37 and is the only local batsman with over 2,000 Test runs, perished playing an atrocious stroke just before stumps.

Bashar on two, attempted a half cut, half square-drive to a ball inches outside the off stump and was duly snapped up by Marcus Trescothick at first slip to give Harmison his second wicket.

Meanwhile, at the other end Hannan was a study in concentration. He punished the loose balls and could have got three boundaries at least rather than just one had the outfield been a little drier. Hannan will resume on 18 on day two along with Rajin Saleh, who confidently saw off the last three deliveries.

Harmison conceded only nine runs from seven overs and looked a difficult proposition, bowling from a great height. His partner Matthew Hoggard found some away swing but was less menacing.

The second day's play is scheduled for a usual 9:30am start but half an hour will be added to the last two sessions in a bid to make up for the lost time.