Stokes steadies England in 1st test vs Bangladesh

Published Oct. 22, 2016 6:21 a.m. ET

foxsports

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (AP) Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 33 to help England stretch its lead to 153 runs against Bangladesh on the third day of the first test on Saturday.

England reached 108-5 at tea in its second innings with Jonny Bairstow on 17.

Left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan had claimed 3-40 to restrain England after the tourists gained a 45-run lead by dismissing Bangladesh for 248. Stokes had an inspired spell with the ball, finishing on 4-26.

Mehedi Hasan and Taijul Islam each took a wicket as the spinners operated tirelessly on a pitch offering bounce and plenty of turn.

Al Hasan claimed two quick wickets to reduce England to 28-3 before lunch and continued to torment the batsmen after the lunch.

Garry Ballance perished to a sweep shot off Taijul for 9 after which Al Hasan again struck with the wicket of Moeen Ali (14) to leave England at 62-5.

Stokes and Bairstow combined for a 46-run in an unbroken sixth wicket.