Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 10:01PM GMT Thurs, 19 September, 2024

India’s seasoned all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin stepped up to the occasion at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, playing a pivotal role in rescuing the hosts from a disastrous top-order collapse on the first day of the first Test against Bangladesh. Ashwin’s unbeaten century, coupled with an unbroken 195-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, saw India reach 339 for 6 at stumps.

The day began dramatically for India, as Bangladesh’s seam bowler Hasan Mahmud wreaked havoc on the Indian top order, reducing them to 34-3 within the first hour. His incisive three-wicket burst had the Indian team reeling, with captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli all falling cheaply. However, India’s lower-middle order led a defiant fightback, with Ashwin and Jadeja anchoring a spectacular recovery after being 144-6, turning the day in India’s favor.

Bangladesh’s Early Dominance

Bangladesh, brimming with confidence after a 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan, made the most of their decision to field first. Hasan Mahmud got the ball rolling early when he dismissed Rohit Sharma for just six. The Indian skipper struggled to find his rhythm, edging a delivery to Najmul Hossain Shanto at second slip.

Shubman Gill followed suit, falling for a duck as he nicked a leg-side delivery behind to the wicketkeeper, leaving India in early disarray. Virat Kohli’s poor form continued as he was dismissed cheaply for six, poking at a wide ball, further denting India’s hopes of a strong start.

Resilient Effort from India’s Middle Order

Despite the early collapse, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal held firm, constructing a patient innings of 56, even as wickets tumbled around him. Jaiswal’s partnership with Rishabh Pant briefly steadied the ship, as the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman made an aggressive 39. Pant’s fearless stroke play—featuring powerful cuts and pulls—helped lift India’s scoring rate before he threw his wicket away with a loose shot shortly after lunch.

Jaiswal was next to depart, falling to Nahid Rana, but it was the partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja that changed the narrative of the day.

Ashwin and Jadeja Lead the Recovery

Ashwin, playing in familiar conditions on his home turf in Chennai, was in his element. He showed a masterclass in counter-attacking batting, reaching his sixth Test century off just 112 balls, laced with 10 fours and two sixes. His aggressive approach, particularly on a red soil pitch that offered a bit of bounce and carry, helped India surge past the 300-run mark after the early jitters.

Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 86, supported Ashwin beautifully with a composed knock. While Ashwin took on the bowlers, Jadeja ensured the scoreboard kept ticking with deft strokes and calculated risks. Together, they neutralized Bangladesh’s attack, frustrating the bowlers as the partnership grew.

In a post-day interview, Ashwin highlighted the challenging nature of the surface, saying, “On a surface like this with a bit of spice, if you’re going after the ball, might as well go after it really hard.” He also praised the conditions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, adding, “It’s the old Chennai surface with a bit of bounce and carry, and the red soil pitch allows you to play a few shots.”

Bangladesh’s Bowling Efforts

Hasan Mahmud emerged as the star of the day for Bangladesh, finishing with figures of 3-58, but the visitors struggled to maintain their momentum after India’s recovery. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who removed KL Rahul for a low score, bowled with intent but couldn’t break through the Ashwin-Jadeja stand.

Bangladesh will hope to make quick inroads on the second day, as India’s formidable lower order looks to pile on more runs.

Looking Ahead

India’s recovery on day one sets the stage for an intriguing second day of Test cricket. While Bangladesh enjoyed early dominance, they will need to find breakthroughs swiftly on Day 2, as Ashwin and Jadeja are well-positioned to build on their already mammoth stand. With the pitch likely to deteriorate as the match progresses, India’s total could prove decisive in the context of the game.

Meta Description: Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja lead India’s remarkable recovery after an early top-order collapse against Bangladesh, guiding the hosts to 339-6 on the opening day of the Chennai Test.