In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, Ravichandran Ashwin made headlines on September 19, 2023, by scoring his sixth Test century during the first match of the series against Bangladesh at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This remarkable feat not only marked his first century against Bangladesh but also solidified his status as one of cricket’s all-time greats.

A Historic Milestone

With this century, Ashwin became the second cricketer globally to achieve the extraordinary double of 1,000 runs and over 100 wickets in Test matches simultaneously. The only other player to reach this milestone is India’s Ravindra Jadeja, underscoring Ashwin’s exceptional contributions to the game.

Day 1 Highlights

Ashwin reached his century in just 108 balls, smashing 10 fours and 2 sixes, and ended the day’s play at a personal score of 102. At stumps on Day 1, India found themselves at 339/6, thanks in large part to Ashwin’s partnership with Jadeja, who was unbeaten on 86. Their performance provided much-needed stability after a shaky start, with India losing key wickets early in the innings.

The Context of the Match

The Indian team, coming off a six-month hiatus from Test cricket, struggled initially against Bangladesh’s bowling attack. The top order faltered, with captain Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), Virat Kohli (6), and KL Rahul (16) all falling short of expectations. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal managed to provide some resistance with a score of 56 off 118 balls.

Ashwin’s Reflections

Post-match, Ashwin expressed his joy about playing in front of a home crowd. He reflected on his love for the Chepauk pitch, stating, “This is a ground I completely love to play cricket in. It’s given me a lot of wonderful memories.” He credited his preparation from the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and acknowledged the support from Jadeja during his innings.

Conditions and Strategy

Ashwin mentioned the challenges of the old Chennai pitch, which provided a bit of bounce and carry. He emphasized the importance of playing with confidence and attacking the ball, a strategy that paid off in his innings. The partnership with Jadeja was crucial, particularly during a phase where Ashwin felt fatigued. Jadeja’s guidance helped him regain focus, showcasing the camaraderie within the team.

Looking Ahead

As the first Test progresses, India aims to build on their solid Day 1 performance. The combination of Ashwin’s batting prowess and Jadeja’s support could prove pivotal in setting a strong total. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team capitalizes on this momentum in the coming days.

For more in-depth coverage of the match, visit Livemint.