Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow guide England recovery against Bangladesh

Ben Stokes in action with his big bat on day two of the third Test between South Africa and England on January 15, 2016
© Getty Images
Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow guide England's recovery as the tourists extend their lead to 273 runs on day three of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

The sixth-wicket partnership between Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow helped revive England to put the tourists in a commanding position on day three of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

The hosts lead by 273 runs after reaching stumps on 228-8, with Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad unbeaten on 11 and 10 runs respectively.

It was a positive morning session for England as they nabbed five wickets to restrict their opponents to 248 runs, but it was a disappointing start to the second innings from the tourists' top-order batsmen.

Alastair Cook was the first to go as he scored 12 runs off 23 balls before 18-year-old Mehedi Hasan struck, while his fellow opener Ben Duckett could only muster 15.

It was a poor innings for Joe Root as he hit just one run off four balls before being trapped lbw by Shakib Al Hasan, who impressed with the ball by taking five wickets in total.

At 62-5 England were toiling, but Stokes and Bairstow stepped up to produce the first-ever 50+ sixth-wicket partnership in seven consecutive innings.

Stokes was eventually stopped on 85 runs after Al Hasan trapped him lbw, while Bairstow was sent back to the pavilion by Kamrul Islam Rabbi after hitting 47 runs off 95 balls.

Bangladesh nabbed a late flurry of wickets, but England remain in control ahead of day four.

Ben Stokes is dressed in red as he chats to reporters on March 9, 2016
Read Next:
Stokes hits maiden ODI century
>