India vs Bangladesh 1st Test 2024, Day 1: Live Updates and Key Highlights

Manoj September 19, 2024 Latest, Sports

India vs Bangladesh 1st Test 2024 : India is returning to Test cricket with a much-anticipated series against Bangladesh. After a brief hiatus from competitive cricket, Team India is all set to face a resurgent Bangladesh side at Chennai’s iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. Bangladesh, coming off a historic series win in Pakistan, is brimming with confidence. For India, the spotlight is on key players like Rishabh Pant, who is making his return to the format, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose presence signals India’s intent to dominate.

India’s journey toward securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final starts with this series. After these two Tests, India will host New Zealand, followed by the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, making this period crucial for Indian cricket.

Rishabh Pant’s Return to Test Cricket

One of the biggest talking points ahead of this match has been the return of Rishabh Pant to Test cricket. Pant, known for his aggressive batting style and match-winning abilities, is set to play a crucial role in the series. He holds an impressive Test record, with 2,271 runs in 33 matches at an average of 43.67. Fans will remember Pant’s audacious six off his second ball in Test cricket, and he will be keen to reignite that flair in Chennai.

Pant’s absence from Test cricket due to injuries had left a void, and his return has been highly anticipated. His ability to turn matches around, especially in challenging conditions, makes him a vital asset. He has previously proven his worth with match-defining innings against strong teams like Australia and England.

India’s Spin Conundrum

India’s spin attack has always been a talking point, especially on home soil. The Chepauk pitch has a history of assisting spinners, but the presence of red soil on the track adds an element of unpredictability. Red-soil pitches, known for bounce and carry, keep fast bowlers in the game early on. However, as the game progresses, spinners are expected to play a key role. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav will be India’s spin trio to watch.

There is also speculation about India fielding three spinners. While Ashwin and Jadeja are likely to be automatic choices, Kuldeep Yadav’s recent performances with both bat and ball make him a strong contender to feature in the XI. Kuldeep has been working on his batting, contributing significantly in the lower order, which could give him an edge over Axar Patel.

Chepauk Pitch and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is expected to play a crucial role in the outcome of this match. Traditionally, the Chepauk surface offers help to spinners as the game progresses. However, early on, the red soil is likely to provide some assistance to fast bowlers, making reverse swing a possible factor. Chennai’s sweltering heat, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius, will also test the players’ endurance.

Despite the scorching weather, there is no forecast for rain, so the match is likely to progress without any weather interruptions. The hot and humid conditions may cause the ball to reverse swing, adding another challenge for the batsmen. These conditions make Chennai a difficult venue for visiting teams, and Bangladesh will have to adapt quickly if they are to challenge India.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Game-Changer

Jasprit Bumrah’s return to Test cricket has given India a significant boost. Widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, Bumrah’s ability to deliver under pressure is unmatched. His unique bowling action, combined with pace, accuracy, and the ability to move the ball both ways, makes him a formidable opponent. Bumrah is expected to exploit the reverse swing that Chepauk’s conditions might offer in the latter stages of the match.

His presence in the Indian lineup sends a clear message to the opposition. Jasprit Bumrah has consistently performed in overseas conditions and now looks to dominate at home. Bangladesh’s batsmen will have to be at their best to counter his threat.

India’s Dominance in Home Conditions

India has become nearly unbeatable at home, especially since 2013. The team’s win-loss ratio has improved drastically in the 21st century. Before 2013, India had a win-loss ratio of 0.562 in Tests, but it now stands at 1. This incredible turnaround can be attributed to India’s solid batting lineup, spearheaded by stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara, as well as a bowling attack that has evolved into one of the best in the world.

If India manages to win this Test, it will be the first time in history that their overall win-loss ratio in Tests crosses 1, which is a testament to how dominant the team has been, especially in home conditions.

Bangladesh’s Challenge

Bangladesh might not have the same history as India in Test cricket, but they have made significant strides in recent years. Since playing their first Test match in 2000, Bangladesh has recorded eight overseas Test wins, with four of them coming since 2021. Their victory in Pakistan was historic, and it gives them the confidence to challenge bigger teams like India.

Mushfiqur Rahim is one of Bangladesh’s most experienced players, and his ability to play long innings will be crucial for his team. Bangladesh’s bowling attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan, will need to perform at their best to put pressure on the Indian batting lineup.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Record Chase

Another exciting subplot is Yashasvi Jaiswal’s chase of Brendon McCullum’s record for the most sixes in a calendar year in Tests. Jaiswal has emerged as one of India’s most promising young batsmen and is just seven sixes away from surpassing McCullum’s record of 33 sixes in a year. Known for his aggressive approach, Jaiswal could very well achieve this milestone during the Bangladesh series.

India’s Upcoming Test Schedule

Following this series, India will face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting October 16. After that, the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia will kick off in November. The Australia series will be especially important, as it will not only serve as a key step toward the WTC final but also revive the historic rivalry between the two cricketing giants.

Conclusion

India vs Bangladesh 1st Test, Day 1, sets the stage for an exciting cricketing contest. India’s strength lies in their depth, with world-class players like Pant and Jasprit Bumrah returning to the side. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will look to continue their impressive run from Pakistan. The conditions in Chennai, the spin-friendly pitch, and the potential for reverse swing add layers of intrigue to this contest. With India’s dominance at home and Bangladesh’s desire to make a mark, the series promises to be a thrilling affair.

As the Test progresses, all eyes will be on how India tackles Bangladesh’s challenge and whether Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah can make a dream return to the longest format of the game.