Basit Ali (Twitter)
India handed Bangladesh a crushing 280-run defeat in the first Test match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Bangladesh entered the series riding high on their recent 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan. However, their momentum was abruptly faltered by a dangerous Indian side.
India’s comprehensive victory was built on stellar performances across all departments. But especially the bowling attack, in particular, proved lethal, with Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge.
Bumrah’s four-wicket haul in the first innings was crucial in dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup, limiting them to a mere 149 runs. This performance also saw Bumrah reach the milestone of 400 international wickets. Former Pakistan player Basit Ali lauded the Indian pitch curators for creating a surface that put both teams to the test throughout the four days.
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“Bumrah picked 5 wickets in the game, Ashwin took 6 wickets, Jadeja clinched 5, Siraj took 2 and Akash Deep claimed 2 wickets. This is the account of 20 wickets. The bowlers ticked all the boxes. India played two spinners, keeping in mind that the ball would spin and it happened. So the credit goes to the pitch curators, who know how to make a Test match surface. Not like us… I am not going to that side but I am filled with anger,” said Basit Ali on his YouTube channel.
The ones who have played cricket with pride are there on the Board: Basit Ali
India’s spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja exploited the conditions expertly, collectively taking 11 wickets in the match. Their performance helped India take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The former Pakistani compared Indian pitches to that of the ones in Pakistan. He claimed that back home people don’t care about pitch.
“In our nation, they say there is no value of pitch. They are illiterate people. The ones who have played cricket with pride are there on the Board (PCB). This is why I get angry. What are you teaching to kids,” he added.