Ashwin's Heroic Century Rescues India from Bangladesh's Strong Start
In a thrilling encounter between India and Bangladesh on the first day of the Test match in Chennai, Ravichandran Ashwin’s unbeaten century led India’s fightback after a shaky start. Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Hasan Mahmud, gave the Indian batting line-up an early scare, reducing the hosts to 36-3 within the first hour. Mahmud’s brilliant seam and swing bowling saw him claim four crucial wickets, including key dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli.
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, was the first to go, edging a beautiful outswinger to second slip for just six runs. Shubman Gill followed soon after, caught down the leg side for a duck, as he struggled to handle Mahmud’s probing line and length. Mahmud’s impressive display continued when he dismissed the returning Rishabh Pant for 39. Pant, playing his first Test innings since a severe car accident, showed promise but nicked one to the keeper while attempting a late cut.
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The innings seemed to be slipping away from India until Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja came together. Ashwin, playing on his home ground, crafted a magnificent century, reaching 102 not out by the end of the day's play. His partnership with Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 86, was crucial in steering India from a precarious 144-6 to a commanding 339-6 at stumps. The duo’s 195-run stand not only stabilized the innings but also put India in a position of strength after a difficult start.
Ashwin’s innings was filled with precise shot selection and confident stroke play. His 108-ball century included 10 boundaries and two towering sixes, both of which targeted the leg-side boundaries. Jadeja, on the other hand, played a similarly aggressive knock, also hitting 10 fours and two sixes. Their positive intent on a pitch that offered some assistance to the bowlers allowed India to wrestle back control after Bangladesh's dominant morning.
Ashwin’s post-match comments highlighted the nature of the pitch and his approach. “It’s the old Chennai surface with a bit of bounce and carry. If you’re willing to get in line and give the ball a little tonk, it really helps,” said Ashwin. His composure and ability to shift gears as required proved vital on a day where India’s top order faltered against Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack.
Bangladesh, though dominant in the first session, will need to regroup and make the most of the second new ball to restrict India’s total on day two. Despite the challenging afternoon, Mahmud’s bowling, which brought him figures of 4-58, stood out as a silver lining for Bangladesh. With the conditions still offering assistance to both pace and spin, the match remains finely balanced as both teams look to gain the upper hand in this pivotal Test.
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