Australian middle order batsman Peter Handscomb was in no mood to give up against Bangladesh in the second Test at Chittagong. Handscomb fought through the day standing his ground, despite the constantly struggling to save the wicket. He stitched a partnership with the opener David Warner, taking on the Bangladeshi bowlers who were looking to repeat the heroics of the first Test.
After the day got over, it was confirmed that Handscomb had lost 4.5 kgs of weight due to dehydration. It was clearly visible that the 26-year-old was struggling all day long. He went down on his knees several times due to the intensity of the heat. He took breaks, as the humidity and heat tested him several times during the day. Even Bangladesh players and Umpires showed concern for his well-being and whether he could continue to bat or not.
Australia’s coach and veteran Darren Lehmann lauded the effort. He said,
Really gutsy, Obviously, it was pretty hot out there, and we saw that yesterday. You have to work really hard for your runs so, to get through in the way they played, was excellent. They’re in the ice baths now. We’ll leave it with the medical team to get them right for tomorrow (Day Three) but a very special day and, hopefully, tomorrow they can kick on.
Handscomb is going to stay out there to finish off the day. Just a few overs remaining on day two.
Hard work out in the middle #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/rFUVoBYw65
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) September 5, 2017
Handscomb’s gritty knock helped Australia to 225 for 2 at the end of Day 2. He carried on with his innings on Day 3 as well, scoring 82 from 144 balls with the help of 6 boundaries. He got run out as Shakib Al Hasan came up with a bang on throw. Whereas Warner scored his second century on the trot with 123 runs from 234 balls.
Twitter reacted to his innings as well
Really good day today @NathLyon421 is bowling beautifully and @davidwarner31 and @phandscomb54 are batting superbly. Big day tomorrow!
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) September 5, 2017
Not a cold vest on @phandscomb54 sorry BJ, that’s sports science. Gotta know exactly how many kms in this heat he’s running.
— Chris Hartley (@_chrishartley) September 5, 2017
@phandscomb54 Pistol Hatsoff Buddypic.twitter.com/bNFuh0ohdN
— Peeyush Talwar (@peeyushtalwar08) September 5, 2017
Forget the Socceroos. We saw one of the all-time great Australian sporting moments last night: Peter Handscomb batting in a brimmed hat.
— Riley Beveridge (@RileyBev) September 5, 2017
This is something really special from @phandscomb54. What a display of temperament and courage he show. Wow!
— Ravi Baneta (@themillyfan) September 6, 2017
Australian batsman Peter Handscomb lost 4.5kgs in two hours of batting during second Test – https://t.co/923nUDmbVf #BANvAUS @danbrettig pic.twitter.com/INgbwHB8oV
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) September 6, 2017
Why would Peter Handscomb be wearing a chest pad in the land of the Left Arm Spinner? #curious
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) September 6, 2017
Due to the vital partnership, Australia went on to post 377 for 9 wickets, leading by 72 runs in the first innings in a match curtailed due to rain.
