India returned to Test cricket with a series at home against a buoyant Bangladesh side, who are riding high on their historic series win in Pakistan just before this. India have come up with a full-strength squad for the first Test, with all of their regular red-ball stars featuring in it.
From 144/6 to 339/6 at Stumps! It's been a remarkable story for India on Day 1 of the opening Test. The morning session was a forgettable one for India, who were put to bat first under the overcast Chennai sky, which Dinesh Karthik reckoned as "London weather," and amid a seam bowling friendly surface...
Hasan Mahmud castled down the Indian top-order within the opening hour, before Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched a 50-run stand. But the fast bowler returned to nip out the wicketkeeper-batter right after lunch, while Nahid Rana got rid of Jaiswal after the opener got to his half-century. KL Rahul fell shortly after, leaving India at 144 for six. There wasn't a single happy face in the Indian dug-out, but all were smiles a little over a session later after Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja combined sensationally to frustrate the Bangladesh attack.
The visitors were staring at a 200-run total in the first innings for India, but Jadeja and Ashwin, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, crushed their hopes with an unbeaten 195-run stand, the highest-ever seventh wicket or below partnership for the hosts against Bangladesh. En route, Ashwin notched up his sixth century in the format, second at home and fastest in his career, while Jadeja too inched closer to his century mark as India ended Day 1 on 339 for six.
Ashwin's Century Rescues India
Ravichandran Ashwin's sixth Test century was a remarkable display of resilience and class. He walked in when India were reeling at 144 for six, staring at a potential collapse. Ashwin combined brilliantly with Jadeja, who also played a vital role in the rescue act. Ashwin's innings was laced with 10 boundaries and two sixes, and he reached his hundred off just 105 balls.
Jadeja's Crucial Knock
Ravindra Jadeja also played a crucial role in the Indian recovery. He remained unbeaten on 86 at the end of Day 1, providing invaluable support to Ashwin. Jadeja's innings was characterized by his aggressive strokeplay, as he took the Bangladesh bowlers to the cleaners with powerful hits. He also brought up his fifty in style, with a trademark sword celebration.
A Forgettable Morning Session
The first session of the match was a disaster for India, as they lost their top three wickets in quick succession. Hasan Mahmud was the chief destroyer, taking three wickets within the first 10 overs. The Indian batsmen looked uncomfortable against the pace and movement on offer from the Bangladesh bowlers.
A Turning Point in the Afternoon
The afternoon session saw a turnaround in fortunes for India, as Pant and Jaiswal put on a 50-run stand to steady the ship. Pant, in particular, looked in good form, and he reached his half-century in style, but his dismissal after lunch provided a golden opportunity to Bangladesh. Jaiswal also reached his half-century but fell shortly after. However, Ashwin and Jadeja's partnership turned the tide in India's favor. They batted with aggression and intelligence, taking the game away from Bangladesh and ending Day 1 on a high note.
Bangladesh's Bowling Challenge
Bangladesh's bowling attack, led by Hasan Mahmud, looked impressive in the initial stages of the match. However, they were unable to maintain their momentum as Ashwin and Jadeja took control of the game. The visitors will be hoping to bounce back on Day 2 and try to make inroads into the Indian batting lineup.
A Pivotal Day for the World Test Championship
The first Test between India and Bangladesh is a crucial one for both teams in the context of the World Test Championship. India are currently in the top four of the standings, while Bangladesh are hoping to make a strong statement. The outcome of this series could have a significant impact on the qualification race for the final.
A Day to Remember
Day 1 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh provided plenty of excitement and drama. Ashwin's century, Jadeja's crucial knock, and Bangladesh's early bowling dominance made for a captivating day of Test cricket. The stage is set for an intriguing battle on Day 2, as Bangladesh will be looking to make a comeback while India will be hoping to consolidate their position.
What's Next?
The second Test of the series will be played in Mirpur, Bangladesh, starting from September 27. India will be hoping to carry their momentum from the first Test and seal a series win. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back and try to level the series.
