New Delhi: The first Test between India and Bangladesh got underway at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. Just like the second day, the third day turned out to be heavily dominated by Team India as Rishabh Pant (109) and Shubman Gill (119*) converted their innings in tons to help the team consolidate the lead. Both partnered for 167 runs for the fourth wicket as skipper Rohit Sharma declared their second innings at 287/4 after 64 overs, gaining a mammoth lead of 514 runs.
At stumps on Day 3, Bangladesh were 158/4 after 37.2 overs as early stumps were forced due to bad light in Chennai. It remained an overcast weather throughout the day but the lighting worsened during the late part of the final session, which cut short the day’s game by 10 overs and the players had to walk back in early. Nonetheless, Bangladesh have certainly made some changes in their batting approach as they have been better than their previous essay.
Chasing 515, Bangladesh were given a great start by openers Shadman Islam (35) and Zakir Hasan (33) who made a 62-run stand for the opening wicket. After much delay, Jasprit Bumrah finally chipped in and removed Zakir in the 17th over. Shadman soon followed him as homeboy Ravichandran Ashwin struck in the 22nd over. The localite continued to show his all-around heroics as he picked Mominul Haque (13) in the 30th and Mushfiqur Rahim (13) in the 34th over, picking three wickets in the final session itself.
It’s skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Shakib Al Hasan on strike for Bangladesh and Shanto has already completed his half-century, having scored 51*, showing composed batting. Bangladesh still require 357 runs to win the game and have six wickets left with them, which makes the fourth day a highly interesting affair for the fans of both. What could be on the cards for India and will Bangladesh be able to fight back?
What to expect on Chennai Test Day 4?
Now that the Test has moved to its final stages, a result could be expected on Day 4 as Bangladesh who need 357 runs, will have to play being utterly careful of the Indian bowling attack which is deadly in the homely conditions, specially with the new ball. They just require six wickets to bag the first game while for the visitors, it is going to be a tough trek.
Although Shanto, Shakib, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz still give bright hope, nothing could be ruled out for them as of now, considering the recent heroics in Pakistan. All they need to do is to save the wicket with the temperament their openers showed which seemed to have frustrated India. They still have a fair deal of time with them and probably that will force the Indian bowlers to wrap things up on Day 4.
Expected pitch and weather conditions
The pitch has already been used for three full days, without any rain interruption, so the deterioration part remains intact. The red-soil track could see changes due to the overcast conditions at Chepauk as the seaside breeze would do its work and it could be another day for the pacers. But… Ashwin was able to pick three wickets on Day 3, which means that it still carries something for the spinners.
It is a slightly greenish track so the new ball wonders and swing remain on the cards. The weather on Friday (Day 4) is expected to be “cloudy” with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning, as per Accuweather, bringing more moisture into the play. The cloud cover will be high and a slight precipitation can’t be ruled out, but nothing that would impact the duration of the game.
India ended Day 3 on a high as the likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin added on to Bangladesh’s misery to ensure that India remain in the commanding position of the first Test. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
