CHITTAGONG: Ben Stokes came to England's rescue on Saturday with a fine all-round performance which gave the tourists a position of dominance against Bangladesh in the first test.
Stokes ripped through Bangladesh with reverse-swing to finish on 4-26 on the third day — including three wickets in the morning session — as the hosts were all out for 248 in their first innings after resuming on 221-5.
At the change of innings, England unexpectedly led by 45 runs.
Then Stokes' restrained 85-run knock helped England end the third day on 228-8 in its second innings, stretching the lead to 273 — a significant advantage on a pitch offering turn and variable bounce.
Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad were undefeated on 11 and 10, respectively.
Stokes and Jonny Bairstow combined for a 127-run partnership after England was stuttering on 62-5.
Shakib Al Hasan claimed his 15th five-for, returning figures of 5-79.