Thu Sep 19 05:48:04 UTC 2024: ## India’s Test Return Stumbles as Bangladesh Pacers Dominate Day 1
**Chennai, India:** India’s return to Test cricket after a six-month break got off to a shaky start as Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Hasan Mahmud, ripped through the Indian top order on Day 1 of the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Mahmud claimed the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, leaving India reeling at 3/18 inside the first 10 overs. The fiery fast bowler ended the day with impressive figures of 3/6 in 5 overs.
The early blows left Rishabh Pant, returning to Test cricket after a year and a half, to rebuild the innings. He and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who ended the day on 28, managed to steady the ship, guiding India to 58/3 at stumps.
Bangladesh, coming off a historic series win over Pakistan, looked sharp and confident, capitalizing on the pace-friendly conditions at the Chepauk. Nahid Rana, another young pace sensation from the Pakistan series, also bowled with fire and accuracy, threatening India’s batting line-up.
India opted for a three-pronged pace attack of Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep, with Ashwin and Jadeja as their spin options.
The series, comprising two Tests and three T20Is, is crucial for India’s World Test Championship qualification. The home side will be aiming to dominate in the coming months, with further series against New Zealand and the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on the horizon.
While India will be hoping to bounce back strongly on Day 2, Bangladesh will be looking to press their advantage and secure a historic win against India in the longest format.
First Piper 