Chennai, Sep 20 (UNI) — On an extraordinary day where a total of 17 wickets fell, India’s bowlers, particularly the fast bowlers, delivered a commanding performance. They dismissed Bangladesh for a mere 149 runs and ended the second day of the first cricket test at Chepauk stadium with a score of 81 for three.

India began the second day resuming their first innings at 339 for six. However, they were bowled out for 376 within just over an hour after adding 37 runs in 11.2 overs. Despite the quick finish, India’s pacers seized control, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge by taking four crucial wickets. Akash Deep and Mohammad Siraj each contributed with two wickets apiece, effectively dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja also made a significant impact by taking two wickets in two overs, achieving his milestone of 300 test wickets in the process. Instead of enforcing the follow-on, India opted to build on their lead, which had swelled to an impressive 227 runs. By the end of the day’s play, India had extended their overall lead to 308 runs, reaching 81 for three in their second innings over 23 overs.

India’s second innings saw early setbacks with openers Rohit Sharma scoring only five and Yashasvi Jaiswal contributing ten runs. However, Shubman Gill (33 not out off 64 balls, including four boundaries) and Virat Kohli (17 off 37 balls, including two boundaries) stabilized the innings by adding 39 runs for the third wicket over 12.4 overs. After Kohli’s departure, Gill and left-hander Rishab Pant (12 not out off 13 balls, with one boundary and one six) ensured that India finished the day without further loss.

The Indian team aims to stretch their lead further on the third day, despite the pitch continuing to favor the pacers who have dominated the first two days. Notably, Jaiswal’s half-century, R Ashwin’s elegant century, and Jadeja’s robust 86 were standout performances in India’s first innings.

The day’s play was historic as it marked the most wickets (17) to fall on a single day at the M A Chidambaram stadium. Additionally, it saw the highest number of fast bowler wickets (14) in a single day’s play in India since 2006.

On resuming the second day, Ashwin and Jadeja couldn’t extend their partnership significantly as India lost their last four wickets quickly. In response to India’s substantial total, Bangladesh struggled, losing wickets in clusters around a brief 51-run sixth-wicket stand between Shakib Al Hasan (32 off 64 balls with five boundaries) and Litton Das (27 off 52 balls with two boundaries and one six).

Jasprit Bumrah set Bangladesh’s collapse in motion by removing opener Shadam Islam in the first over. Akash Deep compounded their woes with a two-wicket burst in two balls. With additional wickets from Siraj and Bumrah, Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 40 for five before Shakib and Das offered some resistance. Jadeja then took two quick wickets, after which Bumrah and Siraj polished off the tail with ease, giving India a substantial lead before stumps were drawn.

While India firmly holds the upper hand, Bangladesh faces an uphill battle as they look ahead to the remaining days of the test match.