1st Test Day 1: Ashwin Ton Leads India Against Bangladesh
The first day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram saw India take control, thanks to a brilliant century from veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
The hosts, opting to bat first on a pitch offering some turn, found themselves in early trouble. Bangladesh's batting order, lacking experience, struggled to counter India's disciplined bowling attack.
Key Moments:
- Early wickets: India's fast bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav, struck early blows, dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto and Zakir Hasan respectively. The early wickets put pressure on the Bangladeshi batting line-up.
- Ashwin's dominance: Ashwin, known for his ability to exploit spin-friendly pitches, was a menace for the Bangladeshi batsmen. He bowled with accuracy and control, picking up five wickets and showcasing his all-round skills by smashing a century.
- Litton Das' resistance: Litton Das provided some fight for Bangladesh, scoring a gritty 50. He was the only batsman who offered serious resistance to the Indian attack.
- India's strong finish: At stumps, India were 50/0, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill looking solid at the crease. This strong position, coupled with their dominant performance with the ball, sets up a promising day for India.
Ashwin's heroics:
Ashwin's performance was nothing short of exceptional. He not only took five wickets but also scored a brilliant 123 off 127 balls, becoming the first Indian bowler to score a century in the first innings of a Test match since Harbhajan Singh in 2008. He also surpassed the legendary Anil Kumble to become India's highest wicket-taker in Tests among off-spinners.
Bangladesh's woes:
Bangladesh, despite a fighting innings by Litton Das, struggled throughout the day. They failed to build partnerships and lacked the experience to counter India's disciplined bowling attack. Their weakness against spin bowling was evident throughout the day.
Day 2 preview:
With India in a commanding position, day 2 will be a crucial test for Bangladesh. They need to find a way to stop India's momentum and build a strong enough lead to put pressure on the visitors. However, with Ashwin in form and India's bowlers looking sharp, it's a tall order for the hosts.
This Test match is set to be a thrilling contest. Day 1 has given a glimpse of the high-quality cricket that is to come in the following days.
