Five years ago Shahadat Hossain left London convinced that Bangladesh’s first test at Lord’s was going to be his last.
Eighteen-year-old Shahadat conceded 101 runs from 12 overs without taking a wicket as Bangladesh tumbled to an innings and 261 runs defeat within three days.
“It was a nightmare debut,” Shahadat recalled on Friday after he became the first Bangladesh player to earn a place on the Lord’s honours board with five for 98 on the second day of the first test.
“I never thought I would get a second chance to come to Lord’s. I was dropped from the national team and selected for the A (second) team and came to England where I became the highest wicket taker.
“I was called back into the national squad and I thought if I had the second chance to play at Lord’s I would make amends for that.”
On Friday Shahadat more than compensated for his miserable 2005 outing against a powerful England side who went on to regain the Ashes from Australia in an unforgettable summer.
After dismissing Alastair Cook early on Thursday, he took four wickets, including three from 21 balls, to wrap up the England innings for 505 and troubled all the batsmen with some late movement on a pitch offering little to the bowlers.
Bangladesh’s top order took over where Shahadat had left off, reaching 172 for two at the close. Rain is forecast for the start of a British holiday weekend and it is now England who will be rethinking their strategies after dominating the first day.
Steven Finn, playing his first test at the headquarters of his county side Middlesex, was the best of an unthreatening England pace attack.
He startled Imrul Kayes (43) with a rising delivery which the batsmen fended to Andrew Strauss at first slip and maintained good control from a relaxed, high action which suggested he had pace in reserve.
“It’s been a bit of a slow wicket but with a bit more sun there could be a bit of variable bounce,” Finn told reporters.
Finn, who the England management believe might be a key players in the Ashes series in Australia this year with his pace and bounce, said the match could turn into a battle of attrition.
“They are a team who are improving game by game,” he said. “They have players who are dangerous and it’s important that we don’t take them lightly.”
(Editing by Pritha Sarkar; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
