|
ENGLAND TAKE CONTROL AT LORDS
Hundreds from Kevin Pieterson and Michael Vaughan have put England right
on top in the first test match against Bangladesh at Lords.
Having won the toss, Michael Vaughan opted to bat first on what looked
likea very good wicket for test cricket. Marcus Trescothick and debutant Alastair Cook then started proceedings for the home
side, with the former going after the Bangladeshi bowlers. Cook, despite being a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, played
some really nice shots.
The first wicket to fall was that of Trescothick, and it needed a miracle caught and bowled
effort from Rajin Saleh to get this breakthrough for his team. Ian Bell, who joined Cook in the middle, scored 10 before falling
to a superb delivery from Tapash Baisya. The very next over saw Mohammad Rafique dismiss Alastair Cook, leg before wicket
for 44. England were suddenly in a spot of bother at 111-3.
But thanks to a 247 run partnership between another debutant,
Kevin Pieterson and Michael Vaughan, England took full control of the game. Kevin really made life hell for the Bangladeshi
bowlers, smashing two sixes and fourteen fours in his innings of 113. He was finally out LBW to Mashrafe.
England finished the day at 385-4, with Vaughan
unbeaten on 131, and Collingwood playing on 9.
The Bangladeshi bowling was pretty disappointing to say the least. Rafique
was the best performer for Habibul Bashar's team, picking up the wicket of Alastair Cook. Tapash Baisya, Rajin Saleh and Mashrafe
also picked up one wicket each, but were pretty expensive. Despite this Rajin Saleh bowled a total of 30 overs, conceding
127 runs, and picked up the wicket of Marcus Trescothick.
|
