Warner’s century secures Australia a 72-run lead against Bangladesh in second Test
Michael Warner celebrates his century in the second Test. Photo: Getty
Bad light stopped play on day three of the second Test in Chittagong with Australia on 9-377 in its first innings, leading Bangladesh by 72 runs.
Stumps were called on Wednesday with 13 overs remaining, after rain had washed out the entire morning session.
Australia’s innings had been drawing to a close with Steve O’Keefe unbeaten on eight and Nathan Lyon yet to score.
The visitors squandered the chance to build an imposing first-innings lead after reaching 5-321 at tea, with the middle order again proving flimsy under pressure.
Matthew Wade’s dreadful form with the bat continued when he was trapped lbw on eight by a ripping delivery from paceman Mustafizur Rahman.
Matthew Wade trudges off after being dismissed lbw. Photo: Getty
The besieged wicketkeeper quickly called for a review but it was an act of desperation, with replays showing it was hitting leg stump.
Glenn Maxwell (38) wasted another review the following over when he was given out caught behind after edging a delivery from offspinner Mehedi Hasan into his pads.
Pat Cummins then shouldered arms to a Mehedi ball pitched well outside off stump which spun sharply into his pads.
It was given not out but Bangladesh successfully reviewed and batsman Nasir Hossain sent Cummins on his way, standing next to umpire Nigel Llong and mimicking his send-off.
The recalled Hilton Cartwright made it to 18 before being dismissed with the final ball before tea.
Rain washes out morning session
Rain washed out the morning session as the Bangladeshi monsoon season made its long-feared arrival.
The visitors resumed at 2-225 before David Warner backed up his drought-breaking triumph in Dhaka with another subcontinent century.
Warner scored 123 off 234 balls before paceman Mustafizur Rahman had him caught by a juggling Imrul Kayes at leg gully.
Peter Handscomb was earlier run out at the non-striker’s end on 82 while attempting to sneak a single that would have brought up Warner’s century.
Handscomb was quickly sent back by Warner but fell victim to a brilliant direct hit from Shakib Al Hasan at midwicket.
It was an unfortunate ending to a brilliant knock from Handscomb, who was forced to receive medical treatment on Tuesday when he was overcome by the stifling heat.
Warner was stuck on 99 for a nervous 15 balls before playing left-arm spinner Shakib through the covers for four to bring up his century.
The left-hander scored just five boundaries and took 209 balls to bring up what was easily the slowest of his 20 Test tons.
Warner scored just five boundaries and took 209 balls to notch the ton.
The vice-captain’s patient and methodical approach, in contrast to his aggressive century in Dhaka, earned him praise from coach Darren Lehmann after he reached 88 not out at stumps on Tuesday.
“The way he’s adapted … and actually gone about in a different way in the last couple of innings has been spectacular,” Lehmann said.
Further rain and storms are forecast throughout the week, leaving Australia at risk of a draw and a 1-0 series defeat.
-AAP