The Tigers were reduced to 19-3 and then saw half their wickets tumbling with 75 runs on the board. It might have given an indication of a quick demise like their collapse in the second match against Australia at Manchester.

But then came the spectacular fightback that saw Bangladesh eventually finish with a fighting total of 250-8. Interestingly it was exactly the score Bangladesh had chased down at Cardiff merely 12 days ago for a magnificent 5-wicket win against Australia.

Although the match had only reached the halfway mark when Khaled Mahmud was caught off the final delivery of Gillespie, it was a scene to behold in the stands.

The reaction from the Bangladeshi supporters was as if their beloved team has just completed a memorable victory.

"If there is one team that should win the game it should be Bangladesh. We were absolutely delighted with the way they fought back," remarked an elated Mahtab, member of an enthusiastic group of few hundred who moved around the ground beating drums and carrying a big puppet tiger.

It was also amazing the way the home supporters backed them.

"I'm a white Bangladeshi and love them," said an English fan in his 40s.

Some enthusiastic home fans even joined the ceaseless parade and chanted "Bangladesh, Bangladesh."

The rivalry between England and Australia is nothing new and after the ugly episode involving Matthew Hayden and Simon Jones in the last game it has poured gasoline in a fire.

All eyes were fixed on Hayden when Australia came out to field with some kids waiving the sponsors flag at the entrance of the ground. Hayden, who had earlier expressed his disgust at such reception before entering the grounds, slipped past the cordon with jeers from the stand.