Thu Sep 19 10:08:36 UTC 2024: ## India Start Strong, Bangladesh Fight Back in First Test
**Chennai, India:** India’s return to Test cricket began with a strong start in the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, Bangladesh fought back in the second session, leaving the match finely poised at the end of Day 1.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they lost their top three batsmen within the first 10 overs. Young paceman Hasan Mahmud, who claimed all three wickets, took advantage of the early morning conditions to put Bangladesh in a commanding position.
Yashasvi Jaiswal then anchored the Indian innings, scoring a gritty half-century before falling for 56. The returning Rishabh Pant, playing his first Test match since December 2022, added a quick 39 runs.
Bangladesh’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, but it was the Indian veteran duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja who turned the tide in the afternoon session. Ashwin, known for his all-round abilities, reached a quickfire half-century and along with Jadeja, put on a crucial 75-run stand for the seventh wicket. Ashwin also became the first cricketer in Test history to achieve the double of 20 fifty-plus scores and 500 wickets.
At stumps, India were 219/6, with Ashwin and Jadeja remaining unbeaten on 59 and 20 respectively.
The first Test match is crucial for both teams as they look to qualify for the World Test Championship final. India, who have won 17 successive Test series at home since 2013, will be looking to dominate the series, while Bangladesh are seeking their first-ever Test victory over their neighbours.
The first Test continues on Friday with Bangladesh hoping to capitalize on their momentum and secure a crucial win.
First Piper 