Bangladesh struggles to hold innings

Hyderabad: Bangladesh is struggling to hold its innings in reply to India's massive first innings score of 687 runs. On Day III, Mushfiqur Rahim survived a controversial run out appeal when he was batting on 17 and went on to post a resolute 81 not out as Bangladesh successfully battled throughout the third day against India, in their bid to delay the inevitable. At stumps, Bangladesh were 322 for 6 as Rahim and the young Mehedi Hasan Miraz posted a stubborn 87-run stand for the seventh wicket to keep India at bay. 

India began proceedings on day III of the one-off Test against Bangladesh with seamers at both ends as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav caused early problems. Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start when Tamim Iqbal departed in just the third over of the day courtesy of a needless run out. From there on, it was the reverse swing show as Bhuvneshwar caused Mahmudullah early problems. 

India took a review when the right-hander was rapped on the pads by an incoming delivery. Even though it looked very close, Mahmudullah survived with the ball clipping the leg stump as the umpire's call stood. Umesh then switched ends as the hosts decided to give Bhuvneshwar a break in order to introduce Ravindra Jadeja into the attack. The move paid dividends as the seamer trapped Mominul Haque plumb in front with a delivery that came back in marginally. 

Shakib Al Hasan began to counter attack in order to relieve the pressure and quickly hit three fours of the seamer. Kohli finally decided to bring on Ishant Sharma. And it took just four balls for the lanky pacer to make an impact. It was Mahmudullah's turn to return to the pavilion. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim put up Bangladesh's first real notable performance of the match - a century partnership between the two - that revived the innings. 

Bangladesh's most reliable pair put together 107 runs before Ashwin removed Shakib to remain one shy of becoming the quickest to 250 Test wickets. Ravindra Jadeja then removed Sabbir Rahman three overs before the break to peg Bangladesh back further. With six down for 235, Mushfiqur found an unlikely ally in Mehedi Hasan, who struck a maiden half-century and forged an unbeaten 83-run alliance. At close of play Bangladesh were 322 for 6. However, the visitors still trail India by 365 runs.