IND vs BAN 1st Test: How 'Local Boys' Ashwin-Jadeja lift Chennai spirits amid Indian batting struggles on Day 1

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IND vs BAN: On a day when India's top-order succumbed to Bangladesh's bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja assessed the conditions pretty well and let their bat do all the talking in the Chepauk Test.

On an overcast morning session, with seam bowling friendly track, Bangladesh benefitted from Hasan Mahmud’s services as the pacer got rid of Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0) and Virat Kohli (6) inside the first hour, leaving the hosts in a real spot of bother. Also Read: Opinion | High time India's next Gen players grasp the art of playing under pressure

The pressure was piling up on the hosts' shoulders and although Yashasvi Jaiswal (52) and Rishabh Pant (39) batted quite well, they didn't march on ahead in the long term. KL Rahul's soft dismissal was another big blow to India's mentality.

The game was nearly tilting towards Bangladesh's favour in the first innings when the hosts were stuttering at 144/6. Just as when things seemed so dull, the two Ravi's of India, rose to the occasion and delivered the goods when it mattered the most with a game-changing liaison. Also Read: Ashwin-Jadeja class act outshines Hasan Mahmud's heroics at Chepauk

The two seasoned bowling all-rounders lit up an otherwise tough day for Indian batters by providing a perfect toast of entertainment for the passionate Chennai crowd. Ashwin, the local boy, was quick to navigate the pace and spin challenge. While Jadeja settled down, Ashwin started to play some lovely shots to keep the partnership ticking. Also Read: 'Greatest Ever, Build a Statue' - Former Players, Fans hail R Ashwin

In the process, Ashwin brought up his sixth Test hundred, which is also his second Test century at Chepauk. Ashwin couldn't be any happier as his pivotal knock came at the right time, much to the delight of the fans. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and others gave a standing ovation from the dressing room after Ravi Ashwin notched up a milestone.

What really set Ashwin apart was how he scored the century. Among all of his six Test centuries, this one was his quickest as he played the game with intent at a strike rate in excess of 90, which is indeed worth applauding in Test cricket.

Jadeja and Ashwin admired and complimented each other during their immaculate 195-run partnership, which helped the team take the game away from Bangladesh. The hosts ended the first day's play with 339/6 (80). Ravi Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja remain unbeaten on 102 (10 fours, 2 sixes) and 86 runs (10 fours, 2 sixes) respectively.