IND v BAN Tea Report: Shakib, Mushfiqur guide Bangladesh to 246/6

Hyderabad: Ravichandran Ashwin got the prized scalp of dangerous Shakib Al Hasan before Bangladesh reached 246 for 6 at tea on the third day of the one-off Test against India here on Saturday.

Bangladesh did better in the post-lunch session as they added 121 runs for the loss of two wickets. But India, after getting Shakib and Shabbir Rahman in quick succession, were in complete control.

Shakib, who was instrumental in stemming the first session rot, went on the counter smashing his way to 82 off only 103 balls before his indiscretion landed the visitors in trouble.

Once Shakib was dismissed, the visitors quickly lost another wicket with Shabbir (16) being trapped leg before by Ravindra Jadeja (1/45 in 17 overs)

Well set and looking good for a century, Shakib could not properly connect a lofted shot after giving Ashwin (1/39 in 12 overs) the charge, with Umesh Yadav gleefully accepting the easiest of catches at mid-on.

Shakib's balance was all awry as he did not reach to the pitch of the delivery and above all the situation did not warrant that shot with 107 runs already being added by him and other senior pro Mushfiqur Rahim (47 batting, 119 balls).

Bangladesh dressing room would have felt good about the session as both the senior players looked comfortable hitting some good shots but Shakib's dismissal robbed them of claiming a session which could rightfully have been theirs.

Shakib's shot selection has been a talking point despite his immense abilities as an all-rounder. Some of the imperious cover drives off Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yadav were a treat for the eyes. He also attacked Jadeja, slogging the bowler to the cow corner.

He got an able ally in Mushfiqur, who kept the scorecard busy with his ramp shot off Ishant and the dabs off both Jadeja and Ashwin with an occasional cut shot.

Earlier, Yadav (2/61 in 15 overs) rattled Bangladesh batsmen with pace while Ishant Sharma got some reverse swing going his way as the visitors were left losing three wickets in the pre-lunch session.

Bangladesh need another 242 runs to avoid follow-on which is highly unlikely. India had scored a mammoth 687 for 6 in their first innings.