@WasimJaffer14 on 'X' |
The much-anticipated Test series between India and Bangladesh kicked off in style at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. On Day 1 of the first Test, India closed with an impressive score of 339/6, thanks to a stellar partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. The duo rescued India from a precarious position, with Ashwin smashing his 6th Test century and Jadeja nearing a hundred of his own. Let's dive into the key moments from the day's play and how the match unfolded.
India’s Early Setbacks: Top Order Stumbles
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hasan Shanto's decision was quickly justified by pacer Hasan Mahmud. He delivered a brilliant opening spell that dismantled India’s top order, sending shockwaves through the Indian dressing room.
- Rohit Sharma: The Indian captain was the first to fall, edging a delivery to Shadman Islam for just 6 runs.
- Shubman Gill: Following a stunning double century in a recent ODI series, Gill couldn't replicate the magic, departing for a duck after just eight balls.
- Virat Kohli: India’s talisman was also unable to get going, falling for 6 runs to an in-swinger from Mahmud.
At 34/3, India was in serious trouble, and it seemed as though Bangladesh was on the verge of taking full control of the game.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant Steady the Ship
Despite the early collapse, Yashasvi Jaiswal once again demonstrated his poise under pressure. Alongside wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, the pair launched a mini-recovery with a 73-run partnership that calmed the nerves of the Indian camp.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The left-handed opener showcased solid technique, grinding out a well-made 56 before being caught by Shadman Islam off Nahid Rana's bowling.
- Rishabh Pant: Returning to the Indian Test side after a long injury layoff, Pant looked to counterattack, hitting six boundaries during his quickfire 39. However, he too fell prey to Mahmud’s pace, edging to Litton Das behind the stumps.
With India at 107/4 and later 144/6 after KL Rahul's departure, the match hung in the balance.
The Ashwin-Jadeja Show: Turning the Tide
Enter Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja—two of India’s most reliable all-rounders. The pair brought all their experience to the fore, constructing a monumental 195-run partnership for the seventh wicket, taking India from a position of vulnerability to one of dominance.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin's unbeaten 102 was a masterclass in Test cricket batting. Mixing aggression with caution, he registered his 6th Test hundred, hitting 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. His calm under pressure was crucial in blunting Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Not to be overshadowed, Jadeja played the perfect foil, scoring 86 not out with 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. His 20th Test fifty was a reminder of his importance to the Indian lineup, particularly when the chips are down.
Bangladesh’s Bowling: Hasan Mahmud Shines
For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer with the ball, finishing the day with figures of 4/58. His ability to generate movement with the new ball and maintain accuracy throughout the day made him a constant threat.
- Nahid Rana: While Mahmud took the limelight, Nahid Rana also chipped in with a key wicket, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal just as he looked set to anchor the innings.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Bangladesh’s premier spinner was more economical than incisive, but he managed to remove KL Rahul, leaving India in a precarious position before the Ashwin-Jadeja partnership took over.
Key Moments of the Day
1. Hasan Mahmud’s Triple Strike: Mahmud’s dismissal of Rohit, Gill, and Kohli within the first 10 overs was the perfect start for Bangladesh.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Fifty: Jaiswal’s resilience helped India avoid a complete collapse after losing their top order cheaply.
3. Ashwin-Jadeja Partnership: The unbeaten 195-run stand turned the game on its head, putting India in a strong position heading into Day 2.
What to Expect on Day 2
With India at 339/6, Bangladesh will be keen to wrap up the Indian innings as quickly as possible on Day 2. Ashwin and Jadeja, however, will aim to extend their partnership and take India to a formidable total, somewhere around the 450-500 mark. Bangladesh's batters will then have to counter India's potent bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who will be raring to exploit any early movement in the Chennai pitch.
Conclusion
India’s first-day performance showcased the importance of experience and resilience in Test cricket. While Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Hasan Mahmud, showed promise, they will need to regroup and come back stronger to prevent the Ashwin-Jadeja pair from taking the game out of reach. Day 2 promises to be equally thrilling, with both teams having much to prove.
0 Comments