Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 19 (ANI): Former cricketer Anil Kumble praised the remarkable partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja against Bangladesh on the opening day of the Chennai Test. This dynamic duo orchestrated a stunning recovery for the Indian team, building a formidable, unbeaten 195-run stand.

At the close of play on day one, Ashwin remained not out, having amassed an impressive 102 runs off 112 deliveries, boasting a strike rate of 91.07. His innings were studded with 10 boundaries and 2 towering sixes.

Kumble took to his official X handle to commend the pair’s grit and synergy, which were instrumental in reversing India’s fortunes after a shaky start. “Ashwin’s century combined with Jadeja’s resilient innings turned the tide for India. Their determination and partnership were crucial after that shaky beginning,” Kumble shared on X.

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan also lauded Ashwin and Jadeja’s stellar batting display in the first Test against Bangladesh. “Serious cricketers .. Ashwin & Jadeja.. How often at home in India do they produce magic with the bat .. !! They will no doubt follow with the ball as well,” Vaughan expressed on X.

Revisiting the events of the first day, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first. India’s top order crumbled, leaving the hosts reeling at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed a vital 56 runs off 118 balls, adorned with nine fours, while Rishabh Pant added 39 runs from 52 balls, hitting six boundaries. Their 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket brought some stability to the Indian innings. However, India found themselves struggling at 144/6 before Ashwin and Jadeja stepped in to steer the team to a more secure position at 339/6 by stumps.

Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 58 runs. His lethal spells dismantled India’s top order, dismissing key players like skipper Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6).

The Bangladesh Playing XI included: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (Wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana.

India’s Playing XI comprised: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (Wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj. (ANI)