Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto on Sunday (September 22, 2024) threw his weight behind the struggling Shakib Al Hasan and said the country’s greatest all-rounder is doing everything in his capacity to regain his form with the ball.

In the opening match against India at Chepauk, which Bangladesh lost by a huge margin of 280 runs, the 37-year-old Shakib logged his most expensive bowling figures in his Test career, leaking 129 runs in 21 overs while failing to take a single wicket across two innings.

It was the fifth time in his career that he went wicketless in a Test match after bowling at least 20 overs.

“Very brave question. Masha Allah!” the Bangladesh skipper responded when asked about a struggling Shakib’s place in the Test team.

“As a captain, honestly, I look at how much hard work a player is putting into his game.

He (Shakib) is doing everything possible to get his form back,” Shanto told reporters at the post-match press conference.

“Whether he is struggling enough to make a comeback (for me what is important is that) what is their intention towards the team and how much he is willing to give to the team,” he said.

“I look at these things mainly. Some people might think that I am saying it because the question is about Shakib bhai. I try to look at everyone in the same way, whether it is, from Nahid Rana to Mushfiq bhai.

“More than whether he is scoring runs or not, I look at how is his preparation. What is his thinking about the team. I am happy with the way that every member of this Test squad has prepared and been willing to give to the team,” the skipper added.

Shanto justified his decision to not bowl Shakib enough in the first innings as the pacers were doing their job well.

“I didn’t really need him (Shakib) in the first innings, seeing how the three pace bowlers were doing. Miraz too was bowling well. It was my plan to keep the fast bowlers on for longer. We took six wickets quickly too,” he said.

While commentating, former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik revealed that Shakib had discomfort on his spinning finger and shoulder, having undergone a surgery on his bowling finger.

The Bangladesh star suffered a left index finger injury during the ODI World Cup last year, and sat out for the match against India during the tournament due to a shoulder issue.

Shanto said, “His ( Shakib’s) finger was taped. He was bleeding from his finger from the last time he was hit there.

“I don’t feel comfortable talking about a player’s individual performance. This is a team game, and only a whole team’s contribution makes it possible to win a game.”

‘We have to focus on our strengths’

Despite the hammering they received in the opener of the two-match series, Shanto expressed confidence of a comeback in the second game in Kanpur.

“They (India) have all quality bowlers — spin and pace both, but we cannot think too much about their strength,” he told reporters during the post-match press conference.

“We have to really focus on our strengths and believe in ourselves about how we can contribute to the team. I believe there are a lot of experienced players in our side, and I hope they will come back stronger.” Speaking about the learnings from this Test, Shanto said it was essential for their top- order to fire but the batters just caved in in their first innings, which dashed his team’s hopes of challenging the formidable hosts.

“I think it was very important learning wise. In first innings batting, especially top of the order, we must be a little careful as we need to put in some runs.

“And, going forward, I think all the batters think that they can bounce back. So, we will see.” Starting from their overnight 158 for four on the fourth morning, Bangladesh were bundled out for 234 in their second innings as Ravichandran Ashwin scythed through their line-up with brilliant figures of 6/88.

“Today, I think the morning session was very tough. The way all the (Indians) bowlers bowled was really well,” he continued.

“But, I think Shakib batted really well, and we tried to contribute to the team by trying to bat as long as we could, and that is one positive thing about today’s morning session. After that, I think we didn’t bat well.” Shanto was Bangladesh’s top-scorer with 82 in the team’s second innings.

“The way I batted — that is how I bat, especially in these conditions and against quality spinners. I was very clear with my plans. I think everyone has a different plan, and I hope they will plan differently next match,” he signed off.

Captain Rohit Sharma greets Ravichandran Ashwin after India’s win over Bangladesh during the first Test at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai on September 22, 2024.
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu

Indian captain Rohit Sharma on Sunday (September 22, 2024) emphasised on building his team around “strong bowling options” in order to take the conditions out of the equation as they gear up for the challenges that lay ahead in the run-up to the World Test Championship.

Riding on a brilliant all-round performance, India cantered to a massive 280-run victory in the first Test against Bangladesh with five sessions to spare.

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin completed a memorable all-round outing with a six-wicket haul as a dominant India crushed Bangladesh, after Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill struck fluent hundreds.

“We want to build our team around strong bowling options, we have to be ready to face whatever the conditions offer,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

“No matter what the conditions are, whether we play in India, whether we play outside, we want to build the team around that.

“In the last few years, wherever we have played, we have managed to have that in the armoury, whether it is seam bowling options or spin bowling options,” the skipper added.

Set an improbable target of 515, Bangladesh were bowled out for 234 in their second innings, with first-inning centurion Ashwin (6/88) doing the bulk of the damage at the his home ground at the Chepauk.

“It was a great result looking at what lies ahead for us. We are playing after a long time, but you are never out of cricket. We came here a week before, we had a good lead up to the Test match and we got the result that we wanted,” Rohit said.

The captain was delighted with the manner in which Pant marked his return to Test cricket, scoring his sixth hundred in the traditional format. It hasn’t been easy for Pant, and his skipper acknowledged that.

“He’s been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch. He came back in the IPL, followed by a very successful World Cup and this is the format he loves the most.

“For us, it was never about what is he going to do with the bat, we always knew what he had with the bat and with the gloves as well. It was just about giving him the game time.

“Credit to him as well, he went on to play Duleep Trophy and got ready for this Test match and had an impact straightaway in the game.” India declared their second innings at 287 for 4 for an overall lead of 514.

Rohit said, “You have to give credit to the guys, whenever there is a responsibility, they never shy away from it and they want to put their hand up and get the job done for the team.”

The India captain said it was all about staying patient with the match being played on a red soil pitch.

“The red soil pitch always has something to offer. You need to have a little bit of patience as well. You don’t see much happening straightaway. This was a pitch where we had to show a lot of patience whether we bat or bowl.

“We were patient enough with the bat to get those big runs and then with the ball as well we were patient enough to hit the right areas and put them under pressure consistently.” Ashwin, who turned it around for India with his magnificent century in the company of Ravindra Jadeja after the home team was reeling at 144 for six in the first innings, received accolades form his skipper.

“Every time we look up to him, he’s always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don’t know if I speak here, it’ll be enough of what he does for this team.

“Every time we see him come out and do the job, it’s always so brilliant. He’s never out of the game.

“The last competitive cricket he played was IPL and then he had some fun playing TNPL. We watched him bat up the order and that’s what helped him as well to bat the way he did,” Rohit said.

Ravichandran Ashwin in action on day 4 of the first Test against Bangladesh at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 22, 2024.
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu

At 38, R. Ashwin is probably in the final phase of his career.

And with India set to host only four Tests next year (two each against South Africa and West Indies), it remains to be seen whether Chennai will get another Test soon if the usual rotation policy for venues applies.

In case Ashwin doesn’t get to add to his tally of five Tests here, the wily off-spinner can peacefully ride into the sunset knowing he scored a century, took a six-wicket haul and was the Player-of-the-Match in his final outing at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

When asked if the game against Bangladesh that ended on Sunday could be his last one in his home town, Ashwin pondered and then explained how hard it is to predict the next Test match or the series. At the same time, he also seemed at peace if it turned out to be his final bow at Chepauk.

“Yeah, quite a good question. I don’t know. What is swansong? Every time you walk out to the park, it is a swansong. You are talking about a Test match. Maybe or maybe not. Who knows,” remarked Ashwin, who clinched his 10th Player-of-the-Match award.

“Every day, every Test match I play is a big thing. Not only for me, for cricketers to go through a Test match or a series is a grind. You never know what is next regarding Tests. Because you put in that effort and must be lucky enough to get those performances, work hard, and manage your ups and downs simultaneously.”

“These are all huge challenges for any Test cricketer. So, I haven’t thought so far ahead, but if that was my swansong (in Chennai), what a swansong,” he added.

In what has already been an eventful year in terms of records, Ashwin went past Courtney Walsh’s tally of 519 scalps and is now eighth on the all-time list with 522 wickets. On how he keeps reinventing himself, Ashwin conceded it was getting challenging.

“It’s not the same as when you are 25, 30 or even 35. 38 is different to 35. Every bit of work that you put in, you have to put it doubly hard to earn the right to be there. There are challenges for me to go through. Usually, it takes a little bit longer. I just wanted to enjoy my game and be the best that I can be. I am not ambitious and want to play as long as I can,” Ashwin elaborated.

The Tamil Nadu player also said he did not want to think too far into the future, ahead of a long season with nine more Tests scheduled.

“When you look so far ahead, it can be quite deflating. You have to stack it up. There are good breaks between games. More than skill, I think it is about physically being able to go through the season, which is of utmost importance to me right now,” said Ashwin.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and captain Rohit Sharma walk back to pavilion after winning the first test match against Bangladesh in Chennai on September 22, 2024
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu

With the indulgent dexterity of tucking into a Sunday morning brunch, India dismantled Bangladesh in the first Test here at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. On the fourth day, the lone point of interest was centred around how long the visitor would resist a seemingly inevitable defeat.

That question was answered well before the crockery was set for lunch as India needed a mere 24.5 overs to pocket the remaining six wickets. The target of 515 remained unsurmountable and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s men were bowled out for 234 in the second innings while the host won by 280 runs.

The penultimate day with its foregone conclusion still drew in the crowds as 15,365 fans trooped into the venue. Resuming at the overnight 158 for four, Bangladesh remained unscathed till the first drinks break as Najmul and Shakib Al Hasan hung in. The latter drove Mohammed Siraj for four and the seamer kept testing Najmul with angled deliveries and sharp words.

Soon it proved to be the proverbial lull before the storm, and one initiated by the slow art of annihilation practised by R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. At one point, Shakib charged at Jadeja, missed the line and Rishabh Pant failed to effect a stumping. On 17 then, Shakib did not last long as Ashwin drew an edge that Yashasvi Jaiswal caught well in the close-in cordon.

Placed at 194 for five, Bangladesh added 40 runs while the wickets kept tumbling. Litton Das feathered Jadeja straight to an exultant Rohit Sharma at first slip. Mehidy Hasan Miraz gave the charge to Ashwin and found Jadeja waiting in the deep. And from the other end, skipper Najmul watched in dismay.

Having played some lovely strokes besides remaining patient, the batter (82) then tried to loft one off Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah scrambled to pouch a good catch. The tail wilted immediately with some wild swipes and Man-of-the-Match Ashwin bagged a six-for.

These wickets in tandem with his remarkable first innings ton, made this Chepauk encounter yet another special outing at home for the local boy. A few waves to the stands were Ashwin’s way of expressing gratitude in what may be his last Test in his backyard.

India leads the two-match series at 1-0 with the second and final Test commencing at Kanpur on September 27. Bangladesh came in with a 2-0 Test series triumph in Pakistan but taking on India in its backyard is never easy. Over the last few decades, many pedigreed squads have learnt it the hard way and now it was time for the eastern neighbour to imbibe some tough lessons.

Scoreboard

India – 1st innings: 376 in 91.2 overs.

Bangladesh – 1st innings: 149 in 47.1 overs.

India – 2nd innings: 287 for four declared in 64 overs.

Bangladesh – 2nd innings: Zakir Hasan c Jaiswal b Bumrah 33 (47b, 5×4, 1×6), Shadman Islam c Gill b Ashwin 35 (68b, 3×4), Najmul Hossain Shanto c Bumrah b Jadeja 82 (127b, 8×4, 3×6), Mominul Haque b Ashwin 13 (24b, 3×4), Mushfiqur Rahim c Rahul b Ashwin 13 (11b, 1×4, 1×6), Shakib Al Hasan c Jaiswal b Ashwin 25 (56b, 84m, 3×4), Litton Das c Rohit b Jadeja 1 (10b), Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Jadeja b Ashwin 8 (10b, 1×4), Taskin Ahmed c Siraj b Ashwin 5 (4b, 1×4), Hasan Mahmud b Jadeja 7 (14b, 1×4), Nahid Rana (not out) 0 (2b). Extras (b-5, lb-7): 12

Total (all out in 62.1 overs): 234.

Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Zakir, 16.2 overs), 2-86 (Shadman, 21.3), 3-124 (Mominul, 29.6), 4-146 (Mushfiqur, 33.4), 5-194 (Shakib, 51.4), 6-205 (Litton, 54.4), 7-222 (Mehidy, 57.5), 8-222 (Najmul, 58.6), 9-228 (Taskin, 59.5).

India bowling: Bumrah 10-2-24-1, Siraj 10-5-32-0, Akash 6-0-20-0, Ashwin 21-0-88-6, Jadeja 15.1-2-58-3.

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| Photo Credit: X/@POTUS

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India’s Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of Selection Committee during the practice session ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: Ragu R

India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Wednesday (September 18, 2024) dismissed concerns surrounding Indian batters’ recent struggle against quality spin bowling, saying that the line-up has enough firepower to take on the best in the world.

Speaking to the media on the eve of the two-Test series against Bangladesh, Gambhir also said that the bowling quartet of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja has managed to offset India’s obsession with batting.

“Our batting unit has so much quality that it can take on any spin unit,” Gambhir asserted after being asked about the line-up’s struggles in last month’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka, especially in the ODI leg that India lost.

“There is a lot of difference between ODIs and Tests,” he said. He also heaped praise on the team’s bowlers.

“India once was a batting-obsessed nation. But Bumrah, Shami, Ashwin, and Jadeja have turned it into a bowlers’ game,” he pointed out.

Team India began their practice session ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai on September 13, 2024. Photo: X/@BCCI

ndia began its preparation for the two-Test series against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. The opening game begins here on September 19, kick-starting a gruelling winter schedule in the longest format for Rohit Sharma’s men. In the next four months, India will play 10 matches against three opponents and look to seal its third straight World Test Championship final berth.

After the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur (Sept. 27 to Oct. 1), India will host New Zealand for a three-match series next month. In November, the team will travel to Australia for five Tests as it chases a hat-trick of series triumphs Down Under and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy it has held since 2017.

The entire squad, barring Sarfaraz Khan (busy in the Duleep Trophy), sweated it out in the middle for close to five hours under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff.

Newly appointed bowling coach and former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel had his first day at the office, keenly observing the session throughout the day.

In the morning session, Rohit, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill got going, batting on the practice pitches on either side of the main square.

Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin then joined for a lengthy session with the willow after their bowling stints. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, too, spent more than half an hour sharpening their batting skills.

There were almost a dozen net bowlers, including spinner Varun Chakravarthy. One of the training pitches was a black soil type with pronounced footmarks and the spinners operated primarily on this; the pacers bowled predominantly on the red soil surface at the other side of the square.

In the afternoon session, the second batch of K.L. Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel joined the action while Morkel monitored pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep.

Bangladesh is travelling to India following a historic 2-0 sweep of Pakistan in the latter’s backyard earlier this month, and will look to pose a stiff challenge to the hosts.

Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam, center, celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Saim Ayub during the fourth day of first cricket test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| Photo Credit: AP

Bangladesh paceman Shoriful Islam will miss the two-test series in India this month with a groin injury he suffered in Pakistan, the cricket board said on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Bangladesh are on a high after winning both tests in Pakistan, where they registered their first test series victory against their Asian rivals.

Shoriful, 23, claimed three wickets in the first test in Rawalpindi but missed the second match with the injury.

“Left-arm paceman Shoriful Islam is still recovering from a groin injury and was unavailable for the series,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board said after naming a 16-member squad for the India tour.

Uncapped Jaker Ali Anik has been drafted in as the second wicketkeeper even though Litton Das, who smashed a match-winning century in the second test against Pakistan, is set to retain the keeping gloves.

The first test in Chennai begins on September 19, while the second match is scheduled in Kanpur from September 27.

India is at the top of the World Test Championship standings and is second in the ICC’s official test rankings, seven places above Bangladesh.

After facing Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma’s India will host New Zealand for three matches before flying to Australia for a five-test series.

Sqaud

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik (Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Peter Rutherford)