India vs. Bangladesh: 1st Test- Day 4- Match Story

Players rejoice after the dismissal of batsman Tamim Iqbal.

Who would gainsay that rain has hardly allowed any play in this test? The players and officials would be very disappointed with the irregularity of play, but moreover the fans would have lost interest In the fixture due to the weather conditions. India had the upperhand here too with two right arm off spinners ready to combat the six left-handers from Bangladesh. Here we bring you the coverage of some play that took place on Day 4:

Starting the day, skipper Virat Kohli declared the overnight score of 462-6 for obvious reasons. Ishant Sharma started the proceedings for India while the regular opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes had the task to initiate the innings for their nation.

Kohli is a quick learner it seems! He decided to hand over the second over to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, usually the ploy applied by former India Captain MS Dhoni and quite rightly though! The main aim here was to put the two left-handers under pressure!

Saha gets his first stumping in Test Cricket!

Ashwin repaid the skipper’s faith in him with an early wicket of experienced opener Tamim Iqbal. Kohli’s ploy worked like a charm! Iqbal stepped out to the offie, but Saha was quick enough behind the stumps! A beautiful stumping! MS. Dhoni would have loved it! Iqbal became the leading run scorer for his country as he ammassed 3039 runs in just 40 matches that he has played at a stunning average of 39.47!

India’s slip catching woes continue as Dhawan drops a relatively easy catch of opener Kayes coming off speedster Umesh Yadav. Yadav set this one up beautifully as the ball jumped on Kayes forcing him to edge it between third slip and gully where Dhawan dived to his left. He latched on it with his hands on it but failed to keep it in control! These catches need to be taken at this level, a good slip cordon defines a champion side! India might have surely missed their best fielder Suresh Raina here! Lack of his presence cost them a wicket here!

“Here I come again!”

Rain haults the innings once again after just 12.4 overs of play.But this time, it did not effect much as it was just a 13 minute delay! Ashwin was extracting turn from the dry wicket and was getting it to grip. Monimul and Kayes found boundaries regularly. The partnership was getting stronger.

Bhajji is relieved after the wicket of Mominul.

Bhajji is back in Test Cricket!After 1 year and 102 days, the “Turbanator” is finally here! Kohli introduced him into the attack replacing Ashin who bowled 8 overs on the trot. But, sadly he was looking far less threatening as he did last time! He was bowling flat and the batsmen negotiated it comfortably!

Soon, Kayes got to his fifty with a lofted shot off Harbahjan. He has been in good touch it seems. A well compiled innings! But, leaving that aside there was a cold battle going on between Ashwin and Harbhajan in the quest of picking up wickets! While the former, a veteran of 100 tests was still finding his rhythm and getting used to things, the latter was bowling confidently and with venom. Ashwin made it tough for the left-handers with his line and sharp turn.

“With age comes wisdom!” The proverb is justified! As he saw that batsmen were coming down the track to him, Bhajji bowled one quicker and short to Monimul! And guess what? It worked! Monimul ended up slicing it to mid off! He made 30 off 54.

Ashwin strikes once again! He got the big fish this time. Playing as a pure batsman in this side, skipper Rahim’s stay was no longer than 5 balls out there managing just 2 runs. The ball dipped onto him and as a result the inside edge off the pad went straight to Rohit Sharma at leg gully! The skipper had set a perfect field. Shakib Al Hasan once again came out with a tough task to be performed! I cannot imagine the Bangladesh side without this man.

Rain interrupted yet again to stop the proceeding in thie middle and as a consequence, Lunch break was taken early, to make constructive use of the delay. But, the Tea Break was oer and the rain did not seem to relent!

Finally after hours, play had to be called of on Day 4 leaving Bangladesh on 111/3 after 30.1 overs. Well, that was it from the Day!While a draw will be inevitable, the game can turn either way, remember Cricket is a funny game! Do join us tomorrow for the final Day of the match.

All images from Cricbuzz.