Bangladesh were 107 for 3 in 35 overs when the first day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium was called off due to rain.
The match experienced a delayed start due to a wet outfield, and once it did begin, India made the most of seam-friendly conditions for a bit early on. However, the visitors managed to edge their way back into the contest through a promising partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque.
Payment for Rohit Sharma's decision to bowl first was immediate as Indian pacer Akash Deep, who has been on a roll himself, made early inroads. He struck twice in his first spell, leaving Bangladesh at 33/2.
Zakir Hasan fell for a duck, undone by a beautiful delivery from Akash that angled in and shaped away late, edging to Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully for a stunning low catch. Shadman Islam soon followed, trapped lbw by Akash in a decision that was given not out initially but overturned on review, thanks to Rohit's smart use of DRS.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, remained 78/2 at lunch; rests of the day were left to theirs captain Shanto and Mominul Haque. The batters weathered the India pace attack and Mominul went slowly into a groove, some lovely strokeplay in patches.
Shanto played solidly with technique, as if to grind out runs on a pitch that seemed to be flattening out as the day progressed.
But it wasn't long before Ravichandran Ashwin worked his magic. India's ace off-spinner broke through Shanto's resistance with a clever arm-ball, luring the Bangladeshi skipper into playing for spin before trapping him lbw.
Shanto's dismissal for 31, when he seemed set to anchor the innings, was a blow to Bangladesh's hopes. Mushfiqur Rahim was then tasked with steadying the ship alongside Mominul.
Bangladesh recovered as Mominul showed some great aggression during his stay, including two boundaries, to ease some pressure. The pitch looked unorthodox early in the day but seemed to settle down a bit as the day progressed. Bangladesh were perhaps just beginning to gain momentum before bad light prevented the resumption of play and heavy drizzle forced an end to the day.
The Bangladeshi middle order, with Mominul at its helm, was beginning to gain some foothold when the early stoppage brought a sigh of relief for India. At the other end was Mushfiqur, who remained unbeaten on 40.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 107 for 3 in 35 overs on Day 1 (Mominul Haque 40 not out, Najmul Hasan Shanto 31; Akash Deep 2-34, Ravichandran Ashwin 1-22) against India.
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