Dhoni in Test match #16

India vs Bangladesh, India in Bangladesh Test Series (2007) - 1st Test
Date: 18-22 May 2007

Day 1 (18 May 2007):

Dravid won the toss and chose to bat. Dinesh Karthik opened with Wasim Jaffer. The start was disastrous, with Jaffer bowled off the very first ball of the match. But, any hopes of further inroads into the Indian batting line-up was arrested by a confident Dravid and determined Karthik. They put on 124 runs for the second wicket. But, they failed to capitalise on the start and the batting conditions. They fell after reaching half-centuries.

This pair was taken over by the more experienced giants Sachin and Sourav. They carried on slowly and steadily. At the end of day 1, India have reached a solid 295 for 3. Sachin and Sourav both reached their half-centuries, making it four half-centuries for the day.

India, in fact, made some bold decisions on the team composition. They have selected five regular bowlers and two wicket-keepers in the team. It is a pity that VVS Laxman cannot find a place in this team. Sourav is preferred over VVS and Yuvraj Singh. Dinesh Karthik was included in the squad as an opener and he did not disappoint.

India should look into consolidating their position on the second day. With a score close to 500 runs, they can dictate the course of the match.