Bangladesh bowlers dominate opening session with 3 Ireland wickets

Ireland lost three wickets for 65 runs in their first session, on their return to Test whites after almost four years, against Bangladesh. Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie decided to bat first after winning the toss for the sixth time on this tour.

Curtis Campher struck Khaled Ahmed for two fours in the penultimate over of the session, as he and Harry Tector remained unbeaten at the break.

They are among Ireland's six debutants, which also includes PJ Moor who has played eight Tests for Zimbabwe. Among those handed international caps was Ben White, who was also making his first-class debut.

The home side, who picked six specialist bowlers, tried to capitalise on Ireland's lack of experience by setting attacking fields and rotating the bowlers well. Fast bowlers Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Taijul Islam took a wicket each for Bangladesh.

Murray Commins was the first to go when he was given out lbw off Shoriful, who was making his Test comeback after nine months. Shoriful struck his front pad in the fifth over of the morning as the left-hander tried to play around it and eventually got dismissed for five.

Ebadot then removed James McCollum for 15 when he was caught at second slip. McCollum edged a quick delivery and Najmul Hossain Shanto indulged in a juggling act before diving in front to complete the catch.

Bangladesh wasted two reviews thereafter, when wicketkeeper Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Mirza seemingly convinced the captain to take the review. Both were struck down the legstump, but Bangladesh didn't have to wait too long for the next wicket.

After Harry Tector hit a four and a six in the consecutive overs, Taijul trapped Balbirnie for lbw when he missed a sweep shot against the left-arm spinner. Bablbirnie, who made 16, reviewed it and Aleem Dar's decision was supported by the TV umpire.

Source: ESPNcricinfo