Fatullah, Bangladesh : Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay established absolute dominance as they racked up 239 without loss for India against Bangladesh on day one of the lone test on Wednesday.
Dhawan was not out on 150 and Vijay on 89 when bails were drawn for bad light, after 34 overs were lost after lunch to heavy rain.
On a flat deck in overcast conditions, they batted with ease against a toothless Bangladesh bowling attack which included just one pacer.
The spinners, upon whom Bangladesh relied, were insipid, and helped Dhawan and Vijay settle in after nervy start by sending down short-of-length deliveries.
Captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch that was expected to favour batsmen, and Dhawan made the most of the conditions by moving to 74 not out in a 107 total when lunch was called early due to rain.
Just before the rain, Dhawan offered a tough catch at short midwicket. Shuvagata Hom dived low but could not snare the chance.
After the whole second session was washed out, Dhawan quickly reached his third test century, in just 101 balls. His aggressive attitude didn't let up, and he reached 150 off 158 balls on the last ball of the day. He sent 21 to the boundary.
Vijay was more restrained and survived some close lbw calls, turned down by the umpires.
While Dhawan ripped apart the Bangladesh bowling effortlessly, Vijay grew in confidence and played some gorgeous shots around the wicket. He hit eight fours and one six in his 89 off 178 balls. There was little doubt he will achieve his sixth test century on Thursday.
