‘Never seen that’: Aussie desperation summed up by under-fire opener’s bizarre move

Australia’s torrid start to the first Test against Bangladesh continued to begin the second day in Darwin, with the unfancied tourists powering towards a first innings lead.

The hosts’ much-vaunted bowling attack was powerless to stop rookie opener Tanzid Hasan, who finished the session unbeaten on 74 to leave a maiden century in just his second Test well within reach.

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The main break arrived with Bangladesh 2/181, trailing Australia’s first innings by just 17, with Monimul Haque’s edge behind on 49 the only Australian breakthrough.

It wasn’t for lack of thinking outside the box, though, with Jake Weatherald’s technique at short leg with Nathan Lyon bowling quick to raise eyebrows.

Commentating for Fox Cricket, former Australian opener David Warner noticed the hometown hero taking several quick steps into position as Lyon came in to bowl, finishing in a crouching stance as he looked for an inside edge from Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

“He’s walking in with the bowler!” Warner said on Kayo Sports.

“Have a look at this, he sets himself up and then walks into position.

“I’ve never seen that in my life.

“Everyone’s got their own method, but I’ve never seen that.”

Former Australian women’s captain Alyssa Healy spotted a method to the apparent madness.

“Well, I think what they’ve done is, Nathan Lyon has brought the short leg in to try and entice him to come down the wicket,” Healy said.

“Jake Weatherald is countering that by keeping him on his toes as well.

“So if Shanto does come down the wicket, Jake’s able to move with him.

“I’ve just not seen anyone ever have that technique at short leg,” Warner said.

“Usually, you have got to be quite flexible and agile in there, but walking in, you’re a metre from the bat.”

However, both Shanton and Tanzid would survive Lyon’s off-spin, though the latter was reprieved in the off-spinner’s first over.

On 62, an attempted Tanzid cut rebounded off Alex Carey’s elbow and quickly to Steve Smith’s left at slip, who dived one-handed but couldn’t reel in the chance.

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