India staged an impressive comeback on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh, thanks to a commanding century from Ravichandran Ashwin and a stellar knock by Ravindra Jadeja. The duo’s unbeaten partnership took India to 339/6 at stumps on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
That’s Stumps on the opening Day of the Chennai Test! #TeamIndia slammed 163 runs in the final session, courtesy ton-up R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja 🔥 🔥
We will be back for Day 2 action tomorrow! ⌛️#INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank
Scorecard – https://t.co/jV4wK7BgV2 pic.twitter.com/LdgKN746Xe
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 19, 2024
Electing to bowl first, Bangladesh made an immediate impact in the overcast conditions. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud wreaked havoc, dismissing Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and the experienced Virat Kohli in quick succession.
After the initial damage caused by Mahmud, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant steadied the innings briefly, putting together a fifty partnership. However, just as India seemed to recover, Pant was dismissed by Mahmud, and Jaiswal was worked over by Nahid Rana after reaching his half-century. With KL Rahul falling soon after, India found themselves in trouble at 144/6.
However, Ashwin and Jadeja turned the tide for India. Their unbeaten 195-run partnership for the seventh wicket not only rescued the innings but also set a record for this stand. Ashwin, played a series of classy shots to bring up his second Test century on his home ground. Jadeja provided excellent support, scoring at a brisk pace and ensuring the pressure remained on the Bangladeshi bowlers.
The final session of the day saw a complete shift in momentum. Bangladesh, who had been on top in the first two sessions, struggled to find any breakthroughs. Ashwin and Jadeja piled on 163 runs in the last session, leaving the hosts frustrated as India ended the day in a commanding position.
