By Slogger
First publised on 2024-10-01 06:15:13
An almost dead Test, with two-and-a half days lost to rain and wet outfield,
was brought back to life via attacking tactics by the Indian team. They first
dismissed Bangladesh for 233 on the fourth day and then smashed several records
on their way to 285 for 9 declared. The Bangladeshis were 26 for 2 in their
second innings at stumps, still 26 runs behind with 8 wickets in hand. The
match is poised for an exciting finish on the last day.
When India batted, their intent was visible from the first ball. Yashasvi
Jaiswal & Rohit Sharma notched up the first fifty in just 18 balls, a world
record in Tests. Rohit was soon thereafter but the momentum was not lost.
Shubman Gill and Jaiswal took the score to 127 before Gill was out. Then, there
was slump but in the end, India scored 285 in just 34.4 overs. They scored the
fastest 100 (in 61 balls), 150 (110), 200 (146) and 250 (181) in Tests, in addition to the fastest 50 (18). Jaiswal
scored 72, Rohit 23, Gill 39, Kolhi 47 and Rahul 68. In the top order, only
Pant missed out.
When Bangladesh had batted in their first innings, resuming at the first
day score of 107 for 3, the Indian bowlers were spot-on and Bumrah was
outstanding. The visitors could add only 126 more and were dismissed just 30
minutes in the second session. They showed no application as there were no
demons in the pitch as the Indians showed later in the day. If India wins this
Test, it will entirely be due to their attacking batting on the fourth day. A
win will also consolidate their position in the Test rankings.