Ticket Counter, IND vs BAN Test (Source – Twitter/X)
The first Test between India and Bangladesh got underway on Thursday, September 19, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The two-match series kick-started a much-awaited season of Test cricket for India as they are set to play three Tests against New Zealand, starting next month. Fans are waiting with bated breath to watch their favorite cricketers in action from the stands. However, the Chennai crowd did not have a hassle-free experience during the encounter against Bangladesh as they were made to wait in long queues outside the stadium to collect their physical tickets.
In a surprising turn of events, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) made only the season tickets available online. However, to collect physical tickets for individual days, fans have to make the trip to the stadium and wait in long queues, firstly, at the ticket counters and then, at the entry gates before they can eventually catch a glimpse of the action.
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The first couple of days of the Test match did not see great crowds, which surprised many as Chennai is known to be a city that loves the longest format of the game. Also, hometown hero Ravichandran Ashwin slammed a belligerent century on Day 1 and remained unbeaten at the Stumps. However, there weren’t too many people in the stands to witness him continuing from his overnight score of 102* off 112 balls on Day 2.
Long queue of fans at Chepauk. Not at entry gates though. Rather, they’re waiting for getting their daily physical ticket and then stand in their respective gates line.Been done online, TNCA would’ve earned some convenience fee n fans would get a lot of convenience. #IndVsBan pic.twitter.com/gfD25bQEL4
— चिरकुट ज़िंदगी (@Chirayu_Jain26) September 20, 2024
Rohit Sharma disappoints in the second innings as well
India finished their first innings at 376 after Ashwin top-scored with a 133-ball 113 and Ravindra Jadeja contributed with an 86 off 124 deliveries. In reply, Bangladesh was rolled over for 149 as Jasprit Bumrah starred with figures of 4/50 in 11 overs. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Jadeja chipped in with two wickets apiece.
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India bagged a lead of 227 in the first innings but they decided against enforcing the follow-on. Rohit Sharma, who departed for six in the first innings, could only score five in the second, much to the chagrin of the fans. The hosts, however, are in a comfortable position and would look to take a considerable second innings lead on a pitch that is still quite good for batting.