It was a heartbreaking end for Bangladesh to a Test in which they took England right to the wire, disappointing the hopes of millions of cricket fans who had been anticipating a famous victory.

Bangladesh had appeared on course for a comfortable first-innings lead but lost their last six wickets for just 27 to give England a crucial 45-run lead in the first innings of a nail-biting first Test in Chittagong.

The first innings lead was proved a decisive one that just prevented Bangladesh from pulling off an historic victory on Monday.

Bangladesh had England reeling at 52 for five in the tourists’ second innings before Stokes and Jonny Bairstow turned the match with a partnership of 127 for the sixth wicket.

Bangladesh’s victory target appeared to be way beyond them at the outset but all of their main batsman made a contribution and Sabbir Rahman top-scored with an unbeaten 64 before running out of partners.

Despite coming agonisingly close to what would have been their most famous Test victory, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said he was proud of his team’s performance.

‘Probably it was not in our favour, 33 runs and two wickets, but the boys put in so much effort over the last five days. After 15 months, I’m really proud,’ Rahim said.

‘Our boys fought it out which is really impressive and hopefully we’ll do the same in the next match.’

The match was Bangladesh’s first Test in nearly in 15 months but showcased how the one-time whipping boys of international cricket have made steady progress in recent years.

The hosts played some impressive cricket during the match, with the teenage debutant Mehedi Hasan taking six for 80 in England’s first innings.

The second and final Test will start in Dhaka on October 28 before England then head to India for a five-Test tour.