Ton-up Ashwin and steady Jadeja lifts India to 339-6 against Bangladesh


India's Ravichandran Ashwin (left) and Ravindra Jadeja walk back to the pavilion at the end of the first day play of their first Test cricket match against Bangladesh in the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium of Chennai on September 19, 2024. - AFP

CHENNAI (AFP): A counter-attacking century from Ravichandran Ashwin pulled India to a "good position" at 339-6 on day one of the first Test after Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud rattled the hosts with four wickets on Thursday.

India slipped to 34-3 inside the first hour of play in Chennai, then 144-6 in the second session before Ashwin, on 102, and Ravindra Jadeja, on 86, put on an unbeaten stand of 195 runs.

Hasan had vindicated skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto's decision to field first in overcast conditions, striking early with three wickets and taking one more after lunch.

The tourists, fresh from their 2-0 sweep in Pakistan, are looking for their first Test win against India.

Chennai-born Ashwin and the left-handed Jadeja -- India's go-to spinners -- blunted the Bangladesh bowling, to the delight of the home fans.

"We always have a plan. We were relaxed in the dressing room when watching," India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal told reporters.

"I think initially the ball was moving and seaming a bit and the wicket was damp. We took our time. In the last session we scored quite well and are in a good position at the moment," he added.

Ashwin, 38, reached his sixth Test ton in 108 balls with 12 boundaries, removing his helmet and raising his hands to soak in the crowd's cheers.

Hasan ripped through the Indian top-order including skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli -- both scoring just six runs -- to leave the hosts at 34-3 inside the first hour of play.

Jaiswal put on a 62-run partnership with fellow left-hander Rishabh Pant to get some momentum into the Indian innings.

Hasan broke the stand in the third over after lunch when wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who is playing his first Test after a serious 2022 car crash, was caught behind off a loose shot. He made 39 with six boundaries.

Jaiswal fell to Bangladesh's new pace sensation Nahid Rana for 56. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz then took down KL Rahul for 16.

- 'In my zone' -

Hasan's opening spell of 3-14 put the hosts immediately on the back foot, starting with Rohit caught at second slip.

"The plan was simple, to bowl at my strength -- bowl seam-up and shape the ball in and out -- and I succeeded," said Hasan. "I was in my zone."

He added: "Later in the day the wicket settled, but still I got some movement."

Shubman Gill survived just eight deliveries before being caught behind for a duck when he attempted a flick down the leg side.

Kohli walked in to loud cheers but the noise soon stopped when the former captain edged a length delivery outside the off-stump from Hasan to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

It was a disappointing outing for Kohli after missing his team's 4-1 home win over England in March due to the birth of his second child.

India are looking to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings as they begin a fresh Test season of 10 matches.

The second and final Test starts on September 27 at Kanpur. - AFP

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Cricket , Test Series , India , In command , Bangladesh

   

Next In Aseanplus News

Cambodian opposition figure Rong Chhun in court on incitement charge
Laos and WIPO partner to improve intellectual property management in the country
Brunei focusing on sustainability as its core policy aspiration, says minister
Thailand's phenomenal tearjerker 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' inspires cross-cultural resonance all over the world
US rate cut, Malaysia's structural reforms and economic outlook fuelling ringgit recovery - Bank Negara
Jani Master, the renowned Indian cinema choreographer who worked in many superhit movies, held in sexual assault case
Cricket-Record-smashing Head fires up test opener debate
Tealive eyes Indonesia, but only if it has 100 stores in the Philippines
Striking Indian doctors set to resume essential services
Mahkota polls: Federal Govt stability more important than unity govt in Johor, says state Amanah chief

Others Also Read