Bangladesh right-arm pacer Hasan Mahmud dominated the proceedings with the new ball on Day 1 of the first Test against India in Chennai. The visitors won the toss and chose to field first.
Mahmud helped his team get off to a brilliant start, dismissing Team India skipper Rohit Sharma for just 6 runs in the sixth over. The 24-year-old induced the outside edge of Rohit's bat with a good length delivery on the off stump.
The Indian skipper had to walk back after being caught by his opposite number Najmul Hossain Shanto at the second slip. Mahmud struck again in his subsequent over, getting rid of Shubman Gill.
Gill's poor shot selection cost him his wicket as he was out caught behind while trying to play a flick. The eight-handed batter bagged an eight-ball duck. Mahmud's impressive run continued as he also claimed the prize wicket of Virat Kohli in the 10th over.
Kohli scored 6 runs off as many deliveries during his brief stay at the crease. He was caught behind while looking to play a drive off a full-length delivery outside the off-stump.
Hasan Mahmud earned widespread appreciation for his fantastic bowling exploits in the morning session of the Chennai Test. Here are some of the top reactions.
One fan wrote:
This spell from Hasan Mahmud is like watching Bhuvaneshwar Kumar at his prime in Indian conditions #IndvBan
Others tweeted:
Many fans pointed out how Mahmud made life difficult for India's top-order big guns despite being in the early days of his Test career. A few also emphasized that.
"Rohit Sharma, Shubnam Gill and Virat Kohli, Hasan Mahmud got three prize scalps today, he is turning out to be one hell of an bowler for Bangladesh. The bangladeshi fast bowling lineup is turning into something very dangerous, all thanks to the vision of A. Donald and now Adams." wrote a fan
"Takes Down Rohit Sharma. Takes Down Shubhman Gill. Takes Down Virat Kohli. The Great Indian Batting Line falls to Hasan Mahmud." commented another
"Always rated Hasan Mahmud since I saw him in the Asia Cup. Dude keeps it simple but with great control." chimed in yet another
It is worth mentioning that Mahmud made his Test debut earlier this year in March against Sri Lanka. He picked up nine wickets in Bangladesh's 2-0 Test series whitewash over Pakistan.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant steadied the ship for India after Hasan Mahmud's stunning opening spell
Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased great composure amid the fall of wickets. The southpaw batted impressively, giving the home team some hope despite the dismal start.
Playing in his first Test match in almost two years, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant walked out to bat at No. 5 and looked in fine touch. The two left-handed batters helped India finish at 88/3 at Lunch.
At the time of writing, Jaiswal and Pant are unbeaten at 37 and 39, respectively. The two have added 62 runs for the fourth wicket.
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