How Did Ravichandran Ashwin Outfox Najmul Hossain Shanto In IND Vs BAN 2nd Test?

Shanto was dismissed by Ashwin [Screengrab/Jio Cinema]Shanto was dismissed by Ashwin [Screengrab/Jio Cinema]

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto failed to convert his start into an impactful score, as India's premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin got his prized wicket in the ongoing second Test at Green Park in Kanpur. The talismanic off-spinner trapped the southpaw plumb in front of the stumps, dismissing him for 31 runs at a crucial juncture of the match. 

R Ashwin Vs Najmul Hossain Shanto: How Did The Contest Pan Out?

The incident occurred during the 29th over of Bangladesh's first innings when India desperately needed someone to step up with the ball and break the budding stand between Shanto and Mominul Haque. Indian captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bring Ashwin straightaway at the start of the second session proved a masterstroke, as he outfoxed Shanto with a beauty to become Asia's second best Test bowler. 

From around the wicket, Ashwin bowled a full-length delivery that went with the angle to beat Shanto in his defence. As the Bangladesh skipper was struck on his front pad, the Indian players appealed for a leg before. The on-field umpire had no hesitation to raise his finger and ask the batter to leave the ground. 


How Did R Ashwin Bamboozle Najmul Shanto?

Hailed for his wily spin bowling, R Ashwin outfoxed Najmul Hossain Shanto with a magical delivery. It was a brilliant setup from the spin maestro that caught the Tigers captain off guard in the high-voltage match. 

Initially, he tossed the ball up, prompting Shanto to drive the ball without using his feet much. As the southpaw wanted to break the shackles, Ashwin pulled his length back, trapping him with his slider. 

The slider is a delivery that skids through and follows the angle after pitching. Ashwin cleverly varied the angle of the seam, pushing the ball slightly quicker through the air. As Shanto played for the turn, the ball beat the inside half of his bat and hit him on his front pad. 

Considering Kanpur track's bounce, it was an easy call for the on-field umpire to declare him out. Although the batter challenged the decision, the TV umpire upheld the on-field decision after the HawkEye predicted three reds.