India’s Test cricket dominance continues, thanks to an unbroken 195-run partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. The duo’s impressive rearguard action on day one of the India vs Bangladesh Test match saved India from a precarious position at 144 for 6, lifting them to a more comfortable 339 for 6 by the end of the day.
The Early Struggles in the India vs Bangladesh Test Match
Bangladesh entered the Test series with a bold decision—choosing to bowl first in India, a strategy not seen for nearly seven years. While the overcast skies and slightly green pitch seemed ideal for bowlers, it wasn’t just the conditions that aided their success.
Hasan Mahmud’s disciplined bowling spell broke through India’s top order, giving Bangladesh early hope. His wobble-seam deliveries and sharp line-and-length troubled India’s batting stars. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli all succumbed to his pressure, leaving India reeling at 34 for 3.
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Despite a brief recovery led by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, who added a 62-run partnership, Bangladesh quickly regained control. In the second session, Mahmud maintained his impressive performance, while the quick bowlers, Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, displayed disciplined bowling.Jaiswal’s composed 56 provided some resistance, but Bangladesh’s persistence paid off as they claimed wickets at regular intervals.
Ashwin and Jadeja to the Rescue
At 144 for 6, it looked like Bangladesh might dismantle India’s batting lineup. But then came the heroes of the day: Ashwin and Jadeja. From the moment Ashwin walked in, the game began to shift. The Chepauk crowd, already in high spirits from the local hero’s appearance, erupted when he started driving and pulling with confidence.
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Ashwin, who had just celebrated his 38th birthday, demonstrated why he remains one of India’s most valuable assets. His sixth Test hundred was a masterclass in batting under pressure. Using his vast experience, Ashwin worked the ball around the field, finding gaps with ease and dispatching anything loose to the boundary. His back-foot punches and crisp drives left the crowd in awe.
Not to be overshadowed, Jadeja also played a crucial role. Though he didn’t score as fluently as Ashwin early on, his patience paid off. By staying composed and biding his time, Jadeja slowly opened up, finding his rhythm as the day progressed. His unbeaten 86 was equally vital to India’s recovery.
Bangladesh’s Missed Opportunity
Despite Mahmud’s heroics, Bangladesh struggled to maintain pressure throughout the innings. Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana bowled well in spells, but they lacked consistency, particularly with the new ball. Ashwin and Jadeja were able to establish themselves comfortably due to Taskin’s propensity for bowling deliveries that were either too short or too full.
Bangladesh’s spinners, usually a strength for the side, were ineffective. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, in particular, struggled to offer control, leaving Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hasan, without a balanced attack. With the fast bowlers tiring, Ashwin and Jadeja capitalized, scoring freely as the ball softened.
Ashwin’s Century and the Partnership’s Impact
As the day wore on, Ashwin and Jadeja’s confidence grew. The 195-run unbroken partnership between the two left Bangladesh in disarray. Ashwin’s century came in just 108 balls, a clear demonstration of his intent to not just rescue India but put them in a commanding position. His partnership with Jadeja could well prove to be the defining moment of the Test.
This partnership was not the first time that Ashwin and Jadeja bailed India out of trouble. Known for their all-round capabilities, the duo has repeatedly proven their worth with both ball and bat. However, this stand was particularly special, not just for the numbers but for the way they took control of the game, never allowing Bangladesh’s bowlers to settle.
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Bangladesh’s Challenge Ahead
As the first day drew to a close, India had recovered to a strong position at 339 for 6. Bangladesh now faces the daunting task of dismissing Ashwin and Jadeja early on day two and preventing India from posting an even bigger total.
While Bangladesh will be disappointed with how the day ended, Mahmud’s performance offers some hope. His 4-58 was one of the highlights of the day, and if he continues to bowl with the same precision, he could still make an impact in the remaining days of the Test. Bangladesh will need more from their spinners, though, if they are to have any chance of pulling off an upset.
Conclusion: India in Command
The inaugural day of the India versus Bangladesh Test match witnessed a spectacular comeback led by Ashwin and Jadeja, serving as a stark reminder of India’s formidable depth in batting prowess. Their unbeaten partnership has given India the upper hand after a shaky start, and they will look to build on that momentum on day two.
For Bangladesh, it will be a test of their bowling depth and mental resilience. They showed promise in the early part of the day but will need a more consistent effort to truly challenge India in this Test.
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