Witness the remarkable 195-run partnership between Ashwin and Jadeja that saved India in Chennai. Explore highlights and insights from this thrilling match.
Introduction:
India has a tradition of test cricket, and on a day when many of those rhythms were disrupted, one reality remained undeniable: India’s lower-middle order is a fortress which even the fiercest bowling attacks struggle to breach. Bangladesh learned this the hard way as they had India reeling at 144 for 6 only to witness the most remarkable 195-run unbroken partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Who knows whether Ashwin, Chennai’s very own, going to turn 38 just ahead of the Test, will essay another Test here at Chepauk? Whether Jadeja, a hero of Chennai Super Kings will ever return to this ground for a red-ball contest? If it has to be their swan song in Chennai, they definitely did it memorable. Centurion Ashwin, the very image of masterful strokes, took India to a dominant position by lunch on Day 1, leaving the home crowd in a state of wonder and with Jadeja anchoring on the other end, leaving him still unbeaten on 86 by the end of the day.
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The Bold Bangladesh Decision
In an unusual move, Bangladesh chose to bowl first. The last time a side decided to bowl first against India in India happened way back in seven years. Even India, had they won the toss, would have made the same decision. That was not due to poor pitch preparation but by design. Chennai had witnessed record-breaking temperatures that week, and the greenish tinge on the damp surface saw Bangladesh taking the gamble. The overcast sky only reinforced their belief in the decision-signaling a chance worth taking despite the risks of batting last.
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It wasn’t long before they proved just that, especially with Hasan Mahmud bowling like the Vernon Philander of South Africa, causing their top order to shiver with the hint of seam movement. Being 34 for 3 was a pretty menacing threat, but they did just enough for themselves by coming out to bat after lunch when they managed a dent in Bangladesh. But it was well on course with the return of three more wickets for the hosts’ reply.
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India’s Top Order Crumbles
Mahmud was the star early on, testing Rohit Sharma with deliveries that moved both ways before finally getting the Indian skipper to edge one to the slips. Shubman Gill never found his rhythm and fell after just eight balls. Virat Kohli, full of intent, chased a wide delivery, resulting in another easy dismissal for Bangladesh.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, who batted together after nearly 700 days in the Test format, gave an impression that they stabilized the innings for a while through a 62-run stand. Jaiswal remained in touch as he marked his sixth consecutive home Test where he crossed 50. Pant too seemed threatening before a lapse of concentration saw him cut one straight to the fielder. Jaiswal was finally dismissed by extra pace from Nahid Rana and KL Rahul’s brief stay at the crease was cut short by a spectacular catch by Zakir Hasan at short leg.
Ashwin and Jadeja Partnership – A Turning Point
At 144 for 6, India was staring down the barrel, and Bangladesh smelled blood. But Ashwin and Jadeja had other plans. Ashwin, in particular, was in a mood to counterattack. His driving, pulling, and slogs were more like those of a top-order batter, not someone walking in at number seven. His first four came off his second ball, signaling his intent.
As calm as the ocean on an Indian summer morning, Jadeja took his time but never missed an opportunity to score. The two of them turned the game on its head, with Ashwin playing the aggressor and Jadeja offering sturdy support. Frustration set in for Bangladesh, what with no one except Mahmud chipping in to keep the pressure on. The spinners, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, offered no control as Ashwin and Jadeja eased into their innings.
A Masterclass in Counter-Attack
As the ball softened, and runs started to flow, the partnership grew stronger. The two exchanged admiring glances after every shot – when Ashwin ramped Rana over slips, Jadeja could only smile, knowing he had the best view in the house. Ashwin returned the gesture when Jadeja flat-slog-swept a boundary.
Bengal Tigers had Bangladesh on the mat, but the bowlers seemed to lose their steam. Fielders began to spread out, and boundaries began to find one another with more ease. Six minutes shy of stumps, Ashwin reached his sixth Test hundred off just 108 balls, sending the crowd into frenzy. In the same over, Jadeja launched one back over the bowler’s head to move into the 80s-a fitting reminder to Bangladesh that they weren’t done yet.
A Day to Remember
The first day ended with India at 339 for 6, mainly thanks to a record partnership that left Bangladesh bewildered. Once again, it was the lower-middle order that proved Indian saviors – Ashwin and Jadeja contrasting styles complemented each other perfectly. Bangladesh had it as a bitter reminder of the general affairs that the seventh Indian wicket often proves to be the toughest to claim. Day two awaits with Ashwin and Jadeja still at the crease, and Bangladesh’s task is far from over.