Chennai, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 19th Sep, 2024) A resilient century from Ravichandran Ashwin propelled India to a solid position at 339-6 on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh. This remarkable comeback was essential after Bangladesh’s fast bowler Hasan Mahmud disrupted the Indian batting lineup with four crucial wickets on Thursday.

India found themselves in deep trouble early on, slipping to 34-3 within the first hour of play in Chennai. The situation worsened as they further stumbled to 144-6 during the second session. However, Ashwin, who scored an impressive 102, and Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed a strong 86, formed an unbeaten partnership, adding a vital 195 runs to the scoreboard.

Hasan Mahmud justified captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s decision to bowl first under overcast skies. He struck early, taking three wickets initially and adding another after lunch. His exceptional opening spell of 3-14 set the tone for Bangladesh, unsettling the Indian top order.

India’s opener Yashasvi Jaiswal spoke to reporters, explaining the team’s strategy: “We always have a plan. Even when we were watching from the dressing room, we stayed relaxed. Initially, the ball was moving and seaming, and the wicket was damp. We took our time to adjust. In the final session, we managed to score well and now find ourselves in a good position.”

Ashwin, aged 38, achieved his sixth Test century in just 108 balls, hitting 12 boundaries. His celebration was a moment of pure joy as he removed his helmet and raised his hands to acknowledge the crowd’s applause.

Hasan Mahmud continued his stellar performance by breaking the crucial stand in the third over after lunch when wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, returning from a serious car crash in 2022 and playing his first Test since then, was caught behind off a loose shot after making 39 runs with six boundaries.

Hasan shared insights into his strategy: “The plan was simple – to bowl at my strength, delivering seam-up and shaping the ball both in and out. It worked perfectly. I was in my zone.” He added that despite the wicket settling later in the day, he still managed to extract some movement.

Shubman Gill faced only eight deliveries before being caught behind for a duck while attempting a flick down the leg side, further highlighting Hasan’s effective bowling strategy.

India’s early setbacks contrasted sharply with Ashwin and Jadeja’s steadfast partnership, which not only stabilized their innings but also put them in a promising position moving forward in this crucial Test match against Bangladesh.