The first Test match between India and Bangladesh witnessed a dynamic display of cricket at Green Park in Kanpur, especially after two days of rain that delayed play. On a sunny Monday, India showcased their aggressive approach to the game, which has characterized their recent successes. The team amassed a commanding score of 285 for 9 declared in just 34.4 overs. This performance not only underscored India's offensive strategy but also resulted in them setting records for the fastest team milestones in men’s Test cricket for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs.
Rohit Sharma led the charge, employing his white-ball cricket tactics to great effect as he rattled off 23 runs from 11 balls. With the top-order batsmen contributing significantly, India built momentum early on. Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s contributions stood out, as both players scored quick fifties, establishing run rates of 141.17 and 158.13 respectively. Their ability to score rapidly put Bangladesh's bowlers under immense pressure.
By the close of play, Bangladesh had stumbled to 26 for 2 in their second innings, trailing by an additional 26 runs. They initially posted 233 in response to India’s first innings total, with Mominul Haque emerging as their mainstay, scoring a resilient 107 not out. Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep played critical roles, claiming 3 for 50 and 2 for 43, respectively. Ravichandran Ashwin also contributed to the wicket tally with 2 for 14, effectively stifling Bangladesh’s progress.
The changeable weather prior to the day benefitted the pitch conditions, which showed improved carry for the bowlers during the first session. While the low bounce on the black-soil surface caused difficulties, Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma capitalized on the good batting conditions. Jaiswal set the tone early, scoring a flurry of boundaries, including three fours off the first over bowled by Hasan Mahmud. Rohit Sharma, undeterred, hit consecutive sixes from the first two deliveries he faced, demonstrating intent to dominate.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz attempted to rein in India's scoring rate but was met with aggression. Despite briefly silencing Rohit with an lbw appeal, which was overturned, he ultimately dismissed Rohit with a sharply turning delivery that kept low, penetrating through his defense. However, this did little to halt Jaiswal’s assault, who continued to dispatch the ball to all parts of the ground, eventually bringing up a rapid fifty.
Following Jaiswal's dismissal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant also joined in the offensive effort. Despite their aggression, both fell to Shakib Al Hasan post-tea, as India maintained an ultra-attacking stance. Virat Kohli, returning to form, aggressively ran between the wickets and expertly played spin, making the most of the opportunities a low-scoring pitch provided. He was pivotal in building partnerships with Rahul, whose play against spin was masterful. Rahul's aggressive approach was exemplified by his achievement of the quickest Test fifty, coming off just 33 balls.
Bumrah and Akash Deep commenced Bangladesh’s first innings with a disciplined bowling performance. Their combinations of good length deliveries troubled the Bangladesh batsmen, resulting in scoring challenges and early breakthroughs. Bumrah's exceptional bowling wizardry saw him claiming key wickets, including that of Mushfiqur Rahim, while Deep quickly settled into the match. Rohit Sharma's tactics to employ attacking fields aided his bowlers greatly in creating pressure, leading to crucial wickets.
Bangladesh’s top order initially struggled, with Litton Das succumbing to a brilliant one-handed catch by Rohit. Shakib Al Hasan's tenure in the middle was short-lived, as he attempted to counter Ashwin's spin but fell to a spectacular catch by Mohammed Siraj. Mominul, however, stood out amidst the wickets tumbling around him, showcasing effective methods to negotiate spin with tactical sweeps and lofted shots. His resistance saw him compile his 13th Test century but was briefly interrupted by two missed catches from Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli.
With the second day of play concluding, India’s bowlers maintained pressure on the Bangladesh lineup, leading to a significant collapse as Bangladesh lost their last seven wickets for only 121 runs. The unfolding events in Kanpur offer a captivating narrative of a Test match where India displayed an aggressive attitude, setting an exhilarating pace contrasted by the Pakistan batsmen's struggle against disciplined Indian bowling.
The ongoing developments in the match promise exciting cricket as both teams aim to establish their dominance, making the subsequent days critical in determining the outcome of this encounter.