5 Talking Points from Bangladesh's historic victory against England in the 2nd Test

#3 – Mehedi Hasan Miraz storms into the limelight

Mehedi spun inextricable webs around the England batsmen

The home team’s lineup for the opening Test contained a then 18-year old off-spinner named Mehedi Hasan Miraz. Though he had been highly rated in the domestic circuit, the odds of him having a significant impact on Bangladesh’s fortunes did not seem that high. However, the Khulna-born cricketer made an instant impression with a six-wicket haul on his very first innings.

With the first match ending in a defeat for them, Bangladesh arrived at Mirpur with their spinners garnering additional attention on a highly conducive pitch. Having grown a year older in the intervening period, Mehedi Hasan stole the show by picking up six-wicket hauls in both innings to propel his side towards a famous victory. In a way, it was reminiscent of the legendary all-rounder Vinoo Mankad bowling India to their maiden Test victory against England (by an innings margin) at Madras in 1952.