India vs Bangladesh: Homeboy Ashwin to the rescue after top-order wobble
After India found themselves struggling at 144-6 on the first day of the first Test, Ashwin partnered with Jadeja to put together an impressive unbeaten partnership of 195 runs.
India's Ravichandran Ashwin scored a quick century and teamed up with Ravindra Jadeja in a remarkable comeback effort as the home team bounced back from a poor start to finish the first day of the first Test match at 339 for six against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh bowler Hasan Mahmud took three wickets in a stunning performance during the morning session, leaving India struggling at 34-3 within the first hour at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 56 runs, but it was the lengthy unbeaten partnership of 195 runs for the seventh wicket between Ashwin and Jadeja that enabled India to get back into the game.
Ashwin remained not out with a score of 102 from 112 deliveries, marking his sixth century in Test cricket. His innings featured 10 boundaries and two sixes. Meanwhile, Jadeja, who was at 86 runs, was approaching his fifth Test century.
"With a surface like this that has a bit of a kick, if you’re chasing the ball, you might as well give it your all," Ashwin stated.
"It's the traditional Chennai pitch, offering some bounce and good carry. The red soil surface lets you execute a variety of shots."
"If you're ready to join the queue and can give the ball a bit of a kick, it can make a big difference."
Bangladesh is riding a wave of confidence following their 2-0 series victory in Pakistan earlier this month. They asserted their control in the first two sessions after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made the decision to bowl first.
Home captain Rohit Sharma took 11 balls to score his first run, facing a loud appeal for LBW before he ended up edging Hasan's delivery to Shanto, who caught it at second slip.
In his next over, Hasan managed to have Shubman Gill caught out for a duck, guiding the ball off his bat to the wicketkeeper down the leg side.
Virat Kohli was also dismissed cheaply, playing a loose shot that led to him being caught behind after scoring just six runs.
Despite the tough circumstances and the loss of partners, Jaiswal remained undeterred. The opener showcased stunning drives and beautifully executed flicks.
Rishabh Pant, who scored 39 runs in his first test match since a severe car accident in December 2022, displayed impressive form by confidently slicing and pulling the ball, quickly putting pressure back on the bowlers.
Hasan ended the 62-run partnership shortly after the lunch interval when Pant's careless swing at a delivery way outside the off-stump resulted in yet another easy out.
Nahid Rana put an end to Jaiswal's impressive innings, while spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed KL Rahul. Following that, Ashwin teamed up with Jadeja to execute a thrilling counteroffensive.
