Having watched M Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara grind the bowlers out, after the visitors were given an early wicket, Kohli made a decision to go the “I am going to bat in one-day mode, without taking any unnecessary risks or playing shots in the air”, way. Kohli continued his sensational run of form, stroking his way to yet another ton in just 130 balls.
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It will be a battle of sub-continental rivals when giants India host the less-fancied but gritty Bangladesh at Hyderabad, looking for their first Test victory over the powerhouse.
Goals from Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain gave leaders Juventus a 2-0 win over Crotone, allowing them to extend their Serie A lead to seven points. While Pujara played the sheet anchor role with a steady 83 (177 Balls, 9 Fours), he fell short of his 11 test century. Even though Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam did manage to create pressure in the second session of the day, it wasn’t enough to force the experienced campaigners to commit mistakes.
By the end of the day, Bangladesh were left with lots of “what if” moments.
Rahul, whose scores hover between single and three digits in longer format was bowled, when he dragged a fuller delivery back onto his stumps from Taskin while attempting a cover drive.
After the dismissal of Pujara, in came captain Virat Kohli. This is the first time in 16 years as a Test nation that Bangladesh are playing a Test in India and it is often easy for cricketers to get overly excited.
In a significant change, which Kohli has mentioned earlier, Ajinkya Rahane replaces Chennai triple centurion Karun Nair in the playing eleven.
Pujara, who hit two centuries in the recent England series, surpassed former Indian batsman Chandu Borde’s domestic record of 1,604 runs in a season during his innings.
With Bangladesh opting for the second new ball, both the Indian batsmen did not let the opportunity to gather some quick runs go with the bounce offered by the red cherry.
Taskin Ahmed and Kamrul Rabbi were impressive early on but lacked fizz as the day progressed and the pitch eased out. He achieved this milestone in the 66th over of the opening day against Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Hyderabad as he nudged a single of the bowling of Taijur Islam.
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Brilliant strike from young 19-year-old Mehedi Hasan brings an end to Cheteshwar Pujara’s hope for another Test century.
