Rikki Clarke emerged from a difficult week to stamp his mark on England's second Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

The Surrey all-rounder has always known the return of Andrew Flintoff, who arrived with the other members of the one-day squad in Dhaka overnight after a groin problem, could signal an end to his short run in the Test side.

But Clarke will at least return to the fringes in glory, having played his part in rescuing England from a humiliating collapse on the opening day.

The tourists had lost four wickets for eight runs in 27 balls against the world's worst Test side when 22-year-old Clarke strode out to join Nasser Hussain.

Over three hours later Clarke had demonstrated great maturity to hit an unbeaten 53, his maiden international half-century, and had helped forge a 103-run partnership with Hussain, which steered England to 237 for four.

His display, in even hotter temperatures than the opening Test in Dhaka, ended a dismal week for Clarke after he was criticised for a painstaking 14 off 93 balls at the National Stadium and was also fined half his match fee for verbally abusing a Bangladesh batsman.

It also established him as long-term competition for Flintoff as England's premier all-rounder - providing he can continue his development and improve his seam bowling.

''I would imagine that if Freddie had been fit he would have been playing but hopefully I can keep my place when he comes back and we can play in the same side,'' said Clarke.

That is a possibility for the one-day series both in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but unless Clarke impresses further during the next few weeks he is unlikely to play alongside Flintoff for the opening Test in Galle on December 2.

For the time being, Clarke is content to improve his credentials.

He hit eight boundaries during his 137-ball innings, including an impressive drive down the ground after advancing down the wicket to meet left-arm spinner Enamul Haque Junior. He provided the few highlights of a partnership which was slow and attritional for long periods.

''It was a bit easier to bat on,'' said Clarke. ''The pitch was more true and the bounce was more consistent and I was able to play a few shots.

''I spoke to Michael Vaughan and he told me to play my game, be aggressive and do what I do. He said there was no pressure on me and I just went out and played the way I normally do back in England.''

While Clarke attempted to be adventurous, a tactic which almost led to his downfall when spinner Mohammad Rafique dropped a return catch when he had reached 36, Hussain played a defiant innings which was effective if not pretty.

Hussain batted for 212 minutes to make an unbeaten 47 and 98 balls passed between his first and second boundary, so keen was he to protect his wicket.

His dedication put other members in the top order to shame after Bangladesh appeared to have made a major mistake deciding to bowl first upon winning the toss.

Instead of exploiting early moisture Bangladesh were confronted by a 126-run opening stand between Marcus Trescothick and captain Vaughan, who marked his 29th birthday by claiming his second successive half century.

Almost as soon as they returned after lunch England's collapse began with Trescothick slashing captain Khaled Mahmud to backward point for 60.

Mark Butcher, who scored only eight runs in two innings in the previous Test, was bowled past his outside edge by Rafique three overs later for six, then Vaughan's entertaining 54 was ended when he was caught behind driving.

The loss of Graham Thorpe only two balls later for a duck, chopping on to his stumps off the back foot, increased England's fears