CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, (Reuters) – Gautam Gambhir became the fourth batsman to hit centuries in five tests in a row to put India firmly in control of the opening test against Bangladesh on the fourth day yesterday.
The opener matched the feat achieved by Don Bradman, Jacques Kallis and Mohammad Yousuf when he made 116 as India declared on 413 for eight to set Bangladesh an unlikely target of 415 to win.
The home team were then reduced to 67 for two at the close of play.
Pacemen Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma took one wicket apiece to leave Bangladesh facing a fight to save the match.
Zaheer had opener Imrul Kayes caught by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik for one before Shahriar Nafees (21) pushed Sharma to Virender Sehwag in the gully.
Tamim Iqbal (23) and Mohammad Ashraful (16) were the not-out batsmen when stumps were drawn.
Earlier, the in-form Gambhir recorded his ninth test century and Vangipurappu Laxman added 69 not out.
“I never thought I would get five centuries (in a row) and I haven’t played for it,” Gambhir told reporters. “My job is to go out there and keep scoring runs for the team.
“I think 415 is a very good target. We wanted to give our bowlers the best chance to win the test match and for that we have to give them sufficient time to get Bangladesh out.”
Gambhir led India’s run surge after they resumed on 122 for one and reached his ton in grand style, cracking Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan for six over long-on.
The left-hander had a let-off on 55 when Kayes dropped him at forward short leg off Al Hasan.
Debutant paceman Shafiul Islam claimed his first test wicket when he had Gambhir caught at third man by Nafees.
Nightwatchman Amit Mishra, 24 not out overnight, completed his maiden test half-century before being caught off Mahmudullah for 50.
Al Hasan and Mahmudullah finished with two wickets each.
“Anything can happen on the fifth day,” said Al Hasan. “We may win the game, it also can end in a draw or a defeat.
“Our aim will be to bat all day. If we can do that of course we will win the game.”
