Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes was the hero as England ran out winners by 22 runs in a thrilling first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a stellar match with both bat and ball, finishing off Bangladesh’s second innings with the two wickets required for victory on the final morning.
It had promised to be tense, with the Tigers requiring only 33 to win, and they inched ever closer in Stokes’ first over as Taijul Islam gloved a well-directed bouncer just out of Jonny Bairstow’s reach.
But he returned to finish off in conclusive fashion from his second over, taking two wickets in three balls to seal a hard fought win.
Taijul was first to go, with an lbw decision initially not given by umpire Kumar Dharmasena overturned on review, with DRS showing it to be cannoning into leg stump.
And number 11 Shafiul Islam lasted two balls before he padded up to a Stokes inswinger and was adjudged leg-before.
It was the third match-turning effort from the all-rounder throughout a match where the momentum constantly swung between the two sides.
His three-wicket burst on the third morning, an exemplary spell of reverse swing bowling, restricted the hosts to 248 when they looked likely for a first innings lead.
And he was called to the rescue later the same day, scoring 85 in a partnership worth 137 with Jonny Bairstow to dig England out from a hole at 62/5.