India’s sheer intent and aggressive execution propelled them to stay ahead during an exhilarating fourth day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Lost overs to inclement weather initially had the test match fizzling into what seemed like an inevitable draw. However, India’s assertive performance on the penultimate day greatly shifted the narrative, although a stalemate still looms.
The dynamic KL Rahul spearheaded the day’s offensive with a staggering 68 off just 43 balls. The host’s aggressive approach left the Bangladesh attackers floundering, as Rahul fortified a crucial 87-run stand with Virat Kohli, who contributed 47 from 35 balls. Known traditionally for his steady plays, Kohli joined Rahul in adopting a more explosive batting strategy that confounded the Bangladeshi bowlers.
This intent was pre-emptively set in motion by Yashasvi Jaiswal following the lunch session. Jaiswal’s 51-ball 72 formed the backbone of an electrifying opening stand with skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit, despite a brief 11-ball stay at the crease, managed to hammer three sixes, emphasizing India’s go-for-broke approach to the game. Shubman Gill chipped in with 39 off 37 balls, further bolstering the aggressive stance, although an experimental batting promotion for Rishabh Pant did not pay off.
By the time India declared at the fall of their ninth wicket, they had piled on 285 runs in just under 35 overs, yielding an impressive scoring rate of 8.22 runs per over. This ferocious pace, even surpassing the much-talked-about ‘Bazball’ method utilized by England, appeared to leave Bangladesh astounded. Spinners Mehidy Hasan (4-41) and Shakib Al Hasan (4-78) managed to claim some wickets, but India’s batsmen were operating in an almost T20 mindset.
India’s aggressive declaration left Bangladesh with a tricky phase to negotiate before stumps. The visitors buckled under pressure, losing two crucial wickets to the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin.
. His first victim, Zakir Hasan, was ensnared by a textbook off-spinner’s setup, while the second wicket, that of nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud, came via a rash stroke.
The fourth day’s play concluded with India firmly in the driver’s seat, replete with momentum. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh battled through a difficult morning session, losing three key wickets. Nevertheless, Mominul Haque’s resilient unbeaten century (107*) gave his side a fighting chance, though support from the lower order was notably absent. Bangladesh collapsed from 224-6 to 233 all out, a position from which India and Jasprit Bumrah capitalized.
Bumrah, with figures of 3-50, was lethal, striking crucial blows with commendable backup from fellow bowlers. The day also saw a significant milestone for Ravindra Jadeja, who entered the elite 300 wickets-3000 runs club in Test cricket.
The day’s statistical footprint was extraordinary: 437 runs were added at the cost of 18 wickets over the span of 85 overs. Despite India’s aggression, Bangladesh ended the day trailing by just 26 runs with eight wickets left. A draw remains the most likely conclusion, yet the volatility of situations such as these on the final day of a Test cannot be understated.
Brief scores presented a clear yet inconclusive picture: Bangladesh posted 233 in their first innings and stood at 26/2 at stumps, with Ashwin snaring 2-14. In comparison, India’s declaration at 285/9 following dynamic contributions highlighted their aspiration for a result-oriented game. Both Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan managed to keep their figures respectable amidst the onslaught, with respective figures of 4-41 and 4-78.
As the Test heads into its final day, the potential for an unpredictable ending remains. India’s intent to snatch a victory from the jaws of a draw has breathed life into what initially seemed like a bland contest stalled by weather conditions. Their aggressive strategy will require Bangladesh to muster a similar level of resilience and ingenuity if they aim to salvage anything from this match.