CHENNAI: Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a remarkable counter-attacking century, steering India to a solid 339-6 on the first day of the opening Test against Bangladesh. This came after Bangladesh’s fast bowler Hasan Mahmud had the hosts reeling with four crucial wickets on Thursday.

India faced early setbacks, slipping to 34-3 within the first hour of play in Chennai, and then further declining to 144-6 in the second session. However, Ashwin’s resilient 102 and Ravindra Jadeja’s steady 86 forged an unbeaten partnership of 195 runs, stabilizing the innings. Hasan Mahmud, vindicating skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s decision to bowl first under overcast skies, struck early with three wickets and added another post-lunch.

Bangladesh, buoyed by their recent 2-0 series sweep in Pakistan, are aiming for their maiden Test victory against India. Chennai-born Ashwin and left-hander Jadeja, both key spin bowlers for India, adeptly handled the Bangladesh attack, much to the home crowd’s delight. Ashwin, at 38 years old, achieved his sixth Test century off 108 balls, featuring 12 boundaries. He celebrated by removing his helmet and raising his hands to acknowledge the roaring applause from the stands.

Hasan Mahmud dismantled India’s top order, including dismissing captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, both managing just six runs each. This left India struggling at 34-3 in the early stages. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a commendable 56, built a vital 62-run partnership with fellow left-hander Rishabh Pant, injecting some much-needed momentum into India’s innings.

Hasan broke this promising stand in the third over after lunch when wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, playing his first Test since a serious car accident in 2022, was caught behind off a loose shot. Pant scored 39 with six boundaries. Jaiswal was then dismissed by Bangladesh’s emerging pace sensation Nahid Rana. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz followed up by taking down KL Rahul for 16 runs.

This gripping day of cricket showcased the resilience and skill of seasoned players like Ashwin and Jadeja, while also highlighting the emerging talents in the Bangladesh squad. The fans at Chennai witnessed a thrilling contest marked by early wickets, strategic partnerships, and standout individual performances.