In a gripping start to the first Test match between India and Bangladesh at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on September 19, 2023, Ravichandran Ashwin stole the spotlight with his sixth Test century. Leading the Indian side under captain Rohit Sharma, the team faced a challenging day against a determined Bangladeshi bowling attack.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Prowess
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Bangladesh’s skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto made a tactical decision that paid off. Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered exceptional spells that left India’s star batsmen struggling to find their rhythm. The Indian top order, featuring renowned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, found it tough to contend with the pace and precision of the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6) were all dismissed early, trudging back to the pavilion with their heads bowed in disappointment. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal, with a solid 56 off 118 balls, and Rishabh Pant (39 off 52) managed to stand tall amid the chaos. At one stage, India was reeling at 144 for 6, prompting a call for resilience from their seasoned all-rounders.
Ashwin and Jadeja: A Dynamic Duo
As the innings teetered on the brink, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja entered the fray, showcasing their experience and skill. The two established a formidable partnership, bringing stability to the innings and gradually shifting the momentum in favor of India.
Ashwin’s performance was particularly noteworthy. He scored his sixth international century in just 108 balls, striking 10 fours and 2 sixes. This century marked Ashwin’s first against Bangladesh and his second consecutive Test hundred at Chepauk, following his fifth century against England in 2021.
A Historic Milestone
In addition to his century, Ashwin achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming only the second cricketer worldwide to score 1,000 runs and take over 100 wickets in Test matches concurrently. This achievement highlights his dual-threat capability as both a batsman and a bowler, solidifying his status as one of cricket’s elite all-rounders.
Day 1 Recap
At the end of Day 1, India finished at 339/6 after 80 overs, with Ashwin at an impressive 102 and Jadeja at 86. Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz each picked up one.
Looking Ahead
As the first Test continues, India will look to build on their Day 1 performance, leveraging the momentum generated by Ashwin and Jadeja. The Bangladeshi bowlers will need to regroup and strategize to contain the Indian batting lineup in the upcoming days.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as this thrilling Test match unfolds!
