Meek top order leaves India vulnerable against Bangladesh
Since the series defeat to England a decade ago, India has been so dominant in subcontinental conditions that they have lost just three and won 40 of the 50 Tests they have played in the region. And as they reduced Bangladesh to an effective 26 for 6 in their second innings in Dhaka, another easy series win seemed just around the corner.
But Litton Das, along with the courageous Nurul Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, refused to give in. The trio struck out against the old ball and a spread field to give India 145 a win. And in a remarkably timid display, similar to the manner of their first-class choke in the T20 World Cup semi-final, India were reduced to 37 for 4 to defend their way through the 23 overs remaining on the third night .
Only Axar Patel, promoted to No. 4 ahead of Virat Kohli, held out with an unbeaten 26 to send India to the throat in the company of night watchman Jaydev Unadkat, with another 100 runs needed on the fourth day. In the 138 deliveries they faced, the Indians reached only four frontiers, three of which came from Axar.
Bangladesh had undoubtedly turned the dynamics of the day in their favor with their lower order attacks. However, instead of showing any intention to go after goal and underlining that they still had a big lead in the game, India came forward as if they only had a few minutes to smash to stumps, and could get away with just blocking . With fielders around the bat on a pitch that offered bowlers all three days, it wasn’t the most sensible approach. (READ MORE)
Mehidy Hasan Celebrates after taking wicket. (AP)