Thu Sep 19 21:48:05 UTC 2024: ## Ashwin and Jadeja Rescue India on Day 1 of First Test Against Bangladesh
**Chennai, India** – Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja staged a remarkable comeback for India on the first day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. After a shaky start that saw India reduced to 144/6, the duo combined to put on a crucial 195-run partnership for the seventh wicket, steering the hosts to a formidable 339/6 at stumps.
Ashwin, playing on his home ground, reached his sixth Test century, remaining unbeaten on 102, while Jadeja provided valuable support, ending the day on 86. The pair’s resilience came after a dominant spell from young Bangladeshi pacer Hasan Mahmud, who made his Test debut in March.
Mahmud, who had already claimed the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, struck early in the second session to dismiss KL Rahul and leave India in a precarious position. However, Ashwin and Jadeja displayed their experience and determination, defying the Bangladesh bowlers and turning the tide of the match.
Ashwin, particularly, was in excellent form, smashing boundaries with a combination of elegant strokeplay and calculated aggression. His audacious ramp shot off Mahmud and a powerful slog sweep off Shakib Al-Hasan highlighted his attacking intent.
Jadeja, meanwhile, played a more measured innings, providing the much-needed stability at the other end. Despite his more subdued approach, he still managed to find his moments of brilliance, hitting three boundaries off Shakib and launching a six off Mahmud.
Bangladesh, who had made an impressive start, will rue missed opportunities as the partnership between Ashwin and Jadeja allowed India to recover from a potentially disastrous situation.
The first day’s play concluded with India holding a commanding position. The second day promises to be equally enthralling as Bangladesh will look to bounce back and find a way to restrict India’s lead.
First Piper 