India’s highest scores on the opening day of a Test

The likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant were at their destructive best in the first Test against Sri Lanka as India declared at 574/8 while batting first. The two southpaws made an absolute mockery of the Lankan bowlers as boundaries rained at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. While Pant made a blazing 96, Jadeja slammed his highest Test score and walked back unbeaten at 175.

Earlier in the game, India won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening Test. The game holds great significance as Virat Kohli became the 12th India to feature in 100 Test matches. Also, Rohit Sharma is leading the Test team for the first time and would be raring to get a win. Speaking of milestones, India’s score of 357/6 is now their eighth-highest on Day 1 of a Test.  

Starts for all Indian batters

Meanwhile, the hosts started off brilliantly with openers Mayank Agarwal and Rohit Sharma attacking bowlers from the outset. Sri Lankan bowlers had a hard time with the new ball as India raced away to the 50-run mark inside nine overs. Unfortunately for the home team, none of the two could pile up a big score. The baton was then passed onto India’s new number-three batter Hanuma Vihari and milestone man Virat Kohli.

The duo steadied the ship and played some delightful shots in the process. While Vihari made a well-paced 58, Kohli slammed 45 runs before falling prey to Lasith Embuldeniya. As Shreyas Iyer could only manage 27 runs, India, at 228/5, looked in a spot of bother. However, Pant joined forces with Jadeja and it was one-way traffic since then.

Pant was brilliant in particular on Day 1 as he scored runs for fun. He even looked set for a ton but got dismissed on 96. On the other hand, Jadeja stole the show on Day 2 as his 175 not out took India to 574/8. As mentioned above, India finished the day at 357/6, their eighth-highest score on Day 1 of a Test. Interestingly, India’s highest Day 1 score which reads 417-2, also come in a Test match against Sri Lanka in Kanpur in 2009.

Team India’s highest score on Day 1 of a Test: