After starting the 1st Test in a promising fashion, it has unravelled rather quickly for hosts Bangladesh. While Day 2 proved to be the moving day in the test match, the third day’s play saw India further cement their position.
Powered by Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill’s centuries, India declared at 259/2 in their 2nd innings after taking a massive 254-run first-innings lead. Though Bangladesh has started the chase in a decent manner, getting to 42 without losing a wicket at the end of the day’s play, the result seems to be a foregone conclusion.
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The pitch seems to have eased out and looks good to bat on compared to the first day, with the repeated use of the heavy roller, which might help Bangladesh’s case on day 4. Bangladesh will hope at least one of their openers goes on to make a big score to worry the Indian skipper KL Rahul.
The onus will be on the young and fairly experienced Najmul Shanto to lead Bangladesh early on day 4. Having been dismissed for a first-ball duck off Mohammad Siraj in the 1st innings, Shanto fended off India’s new-ball attack this time around and seems to have made a good start.
Apart from the inexperienced top three, Bangladesh’s strength lies in their middle order, which comprises Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim and skipper Shakib Al Hasan. Liton Das hasn’t translated his World Cup performances into the India series so far but looked in good nick in the 1st innings until he got out.
Mushfiqur was another batsman who got a start and couldn’t convert it into anything substantial. Shakib hasn’t bowled so far in the test due to an injury he suffered in the ODI series and the hosts will hope it doesn’t hamper his batting.
As far as India is concerned, the bowlers will look to finish off the match on the fourth day. With three spinners and two in-form quicks, India should be confident of securing victory, though they have to be patient for their wickets on a slow surface.
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