Vijay, Kohli run-riot puts India on top

Hyderabad: The historic Test turned into a practical classroom for the bowlers and fielders from Bangladesh who had no other option but watch in awe the classic run-making abilities and the combined onslaught of Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.

Opting to bat after winning a good toss, India bounced back after the early Lokesh Rahul (2) jolt to finish the first day of the one-off Test on a staggering 356 for the loss of three wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (RGICS) here on a sunny Thursday.

Earlier, Vijay (108) and Cheteshwar Pujara (83) raised a 178-run second-wicket stand to help India recover from the early loss of opener Lokesh Rahul (2).

If Pujara (83) and Vijay blended caution and aggression during their 178-run partnership for the second wicket, skipper Kohli did not bear any such pretensions while blasting his way to a quick-fire century, particularly after Vijay was out with his individual score at 108.

Both Kohli and Rahane denied any inroads to the Bangladesh bowlers, who sweated it hard throughout the day on a wicket which gradually slowed down as the innings progressed.

Kohli grabbed the loose chances with both hands, reaching his century with a flick to the mid-wicket boundary while Rahane played the perfect second fiddle as the Indian duo went undivided with a 122-run fourth-wicket stand when the stumps were drawn for the day.

For the visitors, Taskin, Miraz and Taizul managed to take one wicket each, as skipper Mushfiqur Rahim employed as many as seven bowlers during the day.

If things continue in the same manner, India may go for a massive score on Friday. Kohli remains unconquered on 111 while the comeback man Ajinkya Rahane is extending the run-riot with his unbeaten 45.

Brief scores: India 356 for three wickets in 90 overs (Murali Vijay 108, Chetashwar Pujara 83, Virat Kohli 111 no, Ajinkya Rahane 45no) vs Bangladesh