India vs Bangladesh 1st Test: Day 1 Highlights

The first test match between India and Bangladesh began today at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to field first against a strong Indian side. The match marks India’s return to Test cricket after a significant break, and they have fielded a full-strength squad aiming for victory on home soil.

India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, had a challenging start against Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud. Rohit Sharma was the first to be dismissed, scoring only six before he was caught by Shanto off Mahmud’s delivery. Following him, Shubman Gill was caught behind the wicket by Litton Das, also falling prey to Mahmud without scoring. This early setback brought Virat Kohli to the crease, much to the excitement of the crowd.

Virat Kohli managed to score six runs before being dismissed by Mahmud, contributing to the bowler’s impressive performance, taking three crucial wickets early in the game. The Indian team aimed to stabilize after losing early wickets to ensure a formidable total on board against the determined Bangladesh attack. Yashasvi Jaiswal stood resiliently at the crease, with India positioned at 34/2 in nine overs when Kohli was dismissed.

Bangladesh’s recent victory over Pakistan has boosted their confidence, as they seek their first win against India in Test cricket. Despite this confidence, India has a strong record at home, having dominated the format since 2013. They entered this series following an 11-0 win-loss record against Bangladesh in Tests.

The Chepauk pitch, known for its red-soil composition, often provides bounce, favoring seamers initially. As the match proceeds, spinners are expected to play a significant role, given the conditions in Chennai. The high temperatures, reaching close to 40 degrees Celsius, could also impact the players’ performance throughout the match.

Both teams came well-prepared, with India utilizing a three-man seam attack consisting of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep. Bangladesh included reputable spinners like Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan, anticipating the pitch to assist spin in later sessions. The presence of experienced player Shakib Al Hasan boosts Bangladesh’s side, although he joined the squad slightly later following his stint in England.

As the first day progresses, both teams continue to vie for an upper hand. India’s aim is to regroup after the early blows, while Bangladesh eyes a strong bowling performance to control the game. Fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling moments as the test series continues, with both teams demonstrating high levels of preparation and competitive spirit.