India’s Lower-Middle Order Rescues Innings on Day 1 Against Bangladesh

In a challenging opening day of the first Test at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India found themselves relying heavily on their lower-middle order to achieve a respectable score of 339/6 at stumps against Bangladesh. Opting to bat first, India faced early setbacks as their top-order batsmen struggled under the overcast conditions.

Bangladesh, high on confidence after their recent series victory in Pakistan, made an aggressive start against the Indian batsmen. The overcast conditions, similar to those experienced in England, provided assistance to the seamers. Hasan Mahmud was instrumental in dismantling India’s top order, taking crucial early wickets, including that of the experienced Virat Kohli, who was caught behind after scoring just six runs.

In reply, Indian batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant attempted to steady the innings with a partnership but fell short of substantial individual scores. Jaiswal managed to score a patient 56, while Pant contributed 39 runs before falling to Mahmud, who finished the day as Bangladesh’s most effective bowler with figures of 4/58.

The rescue operation for India came from all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. The Chennai native Ashwin, celebrating his 38th birthday, was exceptional with the bat, reaching an unbeaten 102 by the day’s end. Jadeja supported him with a valuable 86 not out. The pair compiled an outstanding unbroken 195-run partnership for the seventh wicket, steering India out of trouble from 144/6.

The pitch in Chennai held surprises with its greenish tinge, and the overcast weather conditions posed additional challenges for the batsmen. Despite these conditions, Ashwin maneuvered the spin-friendly pitch deftly, combining prudent defensive techniques with opportunistic boundaries. Jadeja complemented him well, cautiously escalating his scoring rate to keep the pressure on the Bangladeshi bowlers.

Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first seemed vindicated in the early sessions; however, the lack of depth in bowling beyond Mahmud and inconsistencies in line from Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana allowed the Indian pair to rebuild. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leading the spin attack, struggled to find significant assistance, leaving captain Najmul Hossain Shanto devoid of strong spin support.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s partnership not only steadied the ship but also highlighted India’s persistent strength in home conditions. As the second day of play commences, they will look to further capitalize on the foundation laid and put Bangladesh under scoreboard pressure. The match is the first in a series, marking the beginning of India’s Test journey towards qualification for the World Test Championship final.