Cricket
England close in on victory
2010-03-15 08:52
Chittagong - England continued their march towards a first test victory over Bangladesh on Monday, reducing the hosts to 45 for two in their second innings at lunch on the fourth day.
Off-spinner Graeme Swann bowled Tamim Iqbal for 14 in his second over after England had declared their second innings on 209-7 to set the home side a huge winning target of 513.
Imrul Kayes survived strong appeals for an lbw and a catch at leg-gully before he finally edged paceman Steven Finn to wicketkeeper Matt Prior for 23.
Zunaed Siddique was unbeaten on seven at the interval, which was taken when Kayes was dismissed.
England had resumed on 131-5 and lost overnight batsman Prior (seven) in the fourth over, but Ian Bell and Swann batted aggressively to help the tourists declare their second innings with an hour remaining in the first session.
Prior heaved a catch at mid on off the bowling Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who later claimed the wicket of Swann to finish with 4-62 in the second innings.
Swann, who was caught by Zunaed at cover, struck 32 off 25 balls while Bell was undefeated on 39 from 55 balls when the declaration came.
England also had declared their first innings on 599-6 before they bowled out Bangladesh for 296 runs.