Chennai witnessed a dramatic turnaround on Day 1 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh, as the home side recovered from a precarious 144/6 to finish the day at 339/6. The opening session proved challenging for India, with the team struggling against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack.
Morning Struggles Under Overcast Skies
Batting first under gloomy conditions, India found themselves in early trouble. Hasan Mahmud wreaked havoc, claiming three wickets within the first hour, including the dismissals of Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6). As India limped to 144 for six, despair loomed in the dugout.
However, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s partnership offered a glimmer of hope. They added 50 runs before Pant fell shortly after lunch, becoming Mahmud’s fourth victim. Jaiswal fought valiantly, reaching a half-century, but was dismissed by Nahid Rana for 56, leaving India in a dire situation.
A Record-Breaking Partnership Emerges
Just when it seemed that India might struggle to reach a respectable total, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja stepped up. The duo launched a counter-attack, combining for an unbeaten 195-run partnership the highest ever for the seventh wicket or lower against Bangladesh. Ashwin marked his sixth Test century with a blistering 102 off 112 balls, celebrating his birthday in style, while Jadeja remained solid at 86 off 117 balls.
As stumps were called, the Indian side was rejuvenated, closing the day on a strong 339/6, shifting the momentum in their favor.
A New Chapter for Indian Cricket
This Test series marks India’s return to competitive cricket after a month-long hiatus, kicking off their home campaign aimed at securing a spot in the World Test Championship final. Following this series against Bangladesh, India will host New Zealand and embark on an extensive tour of Australia.
Bangladesh’s Aspirations and Historical Context
Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh entered the match buoyed by a historic 2-0 series victory over Pakistan. Yet, their record against India remains daunting; they have never won a Test match against their neighbors, with India dominating the head-to-head with 11 wins out of 13 encounters.
Pitch Conditions Favoring Pace and Spin
The red-soil pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium traditionally supports seamers but may offer opportunities for spinners as the match progresses. The humid conditions in Chennai could enhance the effectiveness of both pace and spin.
As the Test series unfolds, Indian captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of managing player workloads, especially with a rigorous schedule ahead. The focus will remain on maintaining the team’s strength while aiming to secure critical World Test Championship points.
Key Highlights from Day 1
India at Stumps: 339/6 (Ashwin 102, Jadeja 86)
Ashwin’s Milestone: 6th Test century in just 108 balls
Partnership: 195 runs for the 7th wicket, a record against Bangladesh
Key Dismissals: Jaiswal 56, Pant 33, Kohli 6
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on whether India can capitalize on their Day 1 momentum and build a commanding lead.