England coach Duncan Fletcher hailed the five-star display from fast bowler Stephen Harmison and predicted it could be the turning point of his Test career after helping to dismiss Bangladesh for 203 at Dhaka's National Stadium.

The Durham fast bowler claimed five for 35 - his maiden five-wicket Test haul - after overcoming steamy temperatures and extended playing hours to make up for the time lost to bad light and rain on the opening day.

His efforts ensured Bangladesh were unable to take a competitive first innings total and by the close of the second day England had raced to 111 without loss to put them on course for a major first innings lead.

Fletcher said: ''No-one can judge how hard it is out there except the players and they looked very tired by lunch.

''Two 2-hour sessions anywhere is a lot of cricket to play but to play it out here in unusual conditions takes a lot of character.

''It was good to see Harmy getting his first five wickets for England. I think that will lift him and take him forward and help him appreciate what it takes to take five wickets at Test level.''

Fletcher claimed the gruelling conditions were some of the most testing for his England side since he became coach nearly four years ago, adding: ''It must be one of the most difficult days for us."

Opener Marcus Trescothick reaped the rewards for a summer spent adapting his technique with a stunning display to establish England's advantage.

The Somerset left-hander endured sleepless nights due to his inability to overcome a technical flaw which prevented him from making an impact during last winter's Ashes tour and one-day series in Australia.

The problems continued at the World Cup and caused Trescothick to analyse his gameplan and adjust his technique to spectacular effect when he scored a double century in the victory over South Africa at The Oval which levelled the series.

He has taken that form and approach into the current tour and was the outstanding batsman in both England's warm-up matches, scoring 90 and 96.

Yesterday he hit an unbeaten 77 to dominate the stand with captain Michael Vaughan.

Playing times were extended to make up the time lost on the opening day and England's success was a testimony to the fitness work the squad have undertaken since their arrival to combat the steamy temperatures.

Trescothick scored his runs off 112 balls but the mental strength of Vaughan also laid the foundations for England's solid start after he overcame a shaky start.

Having passed 50 only once in 19 innings while leading the side, Vaughan battled through 36 balls without scoring after getting off the mark with a single.

However, the skipper overcame his early struggles to hit five fours, including a sweep for four off the first ball in Test cricket from 16-year-old left-arm spinner Enamul Haque Junior.