Bangladesh bounce back

Second Test, Cairns, day one (close). Bangladesh 289-8 v Australia

Full scorecard

Sarkar (left) and Bashar put on 108 for the second wicket

Stuart MacGill claimed five wickets but Bangladesh reacted superbly to their crushing first Test defeat by batting throughout day one.

Demolished by an innings and 132 runs in the first Test, the Asian minnows were led brilliantly by opener Hannan Sarkar, who hit 76 at the Bundaberg Rum Stadium.

The wicket, with a generous covering of live green grass, was predicted to make batting something of a lottery.

However, the much-maligned tourists produced one of their most encouraging peformances in their brief Test history.

After being dropped at slip on 29 and 58, Sarkar put on 108 for the second wicket with Habibul Bashar (46) as his side reached a commanding 155-1 just after lunch.

Australia, who had won the toss and decided to field, hit back in the afternoon, with MacGill the chief tormentor.

HAVE YOUR SAY From an Aussie to the Bangladesh team - WELL DONE! From Omi O Join the TMS debate

The leg-spinner was on a hat trick after dismissing Sanwar and trapping Khaled Mahmud (0) lbw with consecutive deliveries in the 75th over, but Baiysa survived an appeal for lbw.

Bangladesh lost four wickets for 14 runs at one stage but impressive knocks from Sanwar Hossain (46) and Khaled Mashud (44) ensured they ended the day in upbeat mood.

Mashrafe Mortaza (7) and Tapash Baisya (21) will take to the crease again on Friday as Bangladesh attempt to keep Australia in the field for as long as possible.

"We made 400 in our first Test against India (three years ago)," said Sarkar. "After that this is our greatest day in Test cricket because it's against Australia."

MacGill added: "They just let the ball go and were happy to do that. They were really, really commited to that plan. That's a fantastic improvement.

"I think this could be quite a good game now."

Have your say on the Test Match Special Message Board

---

Australia: Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Darren Lehmann, Steve Waugh (capt), Martin Love, Adam Gilchrist (wkt), Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Stuart MacGill, Glenn McGrath.

Bangladesh: Hannan Sarkar, Javed Omar, Habibul Bashar, Mohammad Ashraful, Sanwar Hossain, Alok Kapali, Khaled Mashud (wkt), Khaled Mahmud (capt), Mashrafe Mortaza, Tapash Baisya, Anwar Hossain.