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Kiwis on top after day one of Test against Bangladesh

Opening batsman Matthew Bell marked his return to Test cricket after a six-year absence with an unbeaten 74 yesterday, giving New Zealand a first-innings lead over Bangladesh on the first day of the first Test.

Bangladesh, sent in to bat after losing the toss, were dismissed for 137 in less than two sessions but fought back to have New Zealand 156 for four at stumps, a lead of 19 runs overall.

Bell, in his 14th Test match and his first since the 2001-2002 season, batted three hours for his third Test half century to hold together the fraying New Zealand innings and to give the home side hope of a dominant position on the second day.

Earlier, Chris Martin took four wickets for 64 runs as New Zealand exploited bowler-friendly conditions to dismiss Bangladesh in only 46.1 overs.

Jacob Oram took three for 23 and Kyle Mills two for 29 to end the Bangladesh innings before tea and to maintain New Zealand's ascendancy in Tests between the nations.
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