Fri Sep 20 04:22:29 UTC 2024: ## Ashwin Rescues India with Century as Elderly Fan Steals the Show
**Chennai:** Ravichandran Ashwin played a heroic innings, scoring his second consecutive century at home, to rescue India from a top-order collapse on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh at Chepauk.
After Bangladesh’s bowlers ran riot in the first session, leaving India reeling at 96/4, Ashwin counter-attacked on a tricky red soil pitch. He formed a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, taking India past the 300-run mark.
Ashwin’s century, his sixth in Test cricket, cemented his reputation as a complete all-rounder. He attributed his aggressive approach to his recent stint in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, where he worked on improving his batting.
“It’s an old Chennai surface with a bit of bounce and carry,” Ashwin said after the match. “The red soil pitch allows you to play a few shots if you are willing to just get in line and give it a bit of a tonk when there’s width.”
While the entire stadium erupted in cheers as Ashwin reached his century, the highlight of the day came when a video of an elderly lady in the stands clapping for the star all-rounder while holding two tea cups went viral on social media.
Ashwin praised Jadeja for his support during a challenging phase of the innings. “He (Jadeja) was of real help. There was a point in time where I was sweating and getting a bit tired. Jaddu noticed it quickly and guided me through that phase,” Ashwin said.
India ended Day 1 at 314/5, with Ashwin unbeaten on 102 and Jadeja on 86*.
First Piper 