Mountain to climb for wasteful Tigers

If Day One of the one-off Test against India was frustrating for Bangladesh, day two was nothing short of a disaster. India did do well to pile on the runs before declaring on 687 for six, after which the visitors lost the wicket of Soumya Sarkar at the end and finished the day on 41 for 1.

But it was Bangladesh's lacklustre presence on the field -- which helped the hosts in their cause immensely -- that seemed more alarming.

So uninspired were the visitors that it seemed as though they were waiting for a declaration during the last hour of India's first innings in Hyderabad yesterday.

India's batsmen, meanwhile, broke a number of records. Virat Kohli, who scored a flawless 204, became the first batsman in the history of Test cricket to score four double-centuries in four consecutive series.

It was an exceptional knock that was chanceless. In fact, had he decided to review Taijul Islam's delivery that had trapped him in front, he could have batted on as replays suggested that the ball had struck him outside the off stump. Kohli however, walked away.

India also became the first ever team to score three consecutive 600-plus totals. The previous two scores came against England in Mumbai and Chennai.

Just like on Day One Bangladesh had created a number of chances, which had they taken, would have helped them limit India's run-spree.

After leaking more than 50 runs in the first 10 overs yesterday, Ajinkya Rahane was dropped at deep point by Sabbir Rahman, who is considered Bangladesh's best fielder. Sabbir dived ahead to get a hold of Rahane's cut, but only managed to get a hand to it.

Rahane added 20 more runs to his total before being dismissed by Taijul Islam. Ironically it was a Superman-esque, diving effort from Mehedi Hasan Miraz, the same player who had missed an easy run-out on the first day, at short cover that led to the departure of a bemused Rahane for 83.

It was after the 110-over mark that the ball started gripping and turning a bit and that slowed down India's run-rate. Kohli in fact, missed a turner from Mehedi in the 117th over and the batsman was given out on 180. Fortunately Kohli reviewed that decision and replays suggested that the ball was going to spin away from the leg-stump.

Two overs later Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim missed a stumping, which is likely to give him nightmares in the coming days. Wriddhiman Saha, who eventually went on to score an unbeaten 106, was just on four at that point of time. He went down the track in an attempt to break the shackles, but was completely deceived by Taijul's flight, giving Mushfiqur the easiest of opportunities to get him out. However, the captain too seemed deceived at the easy opportunity and although he had the ball in his gloves, he mysteriously failed to move inches forward and take off the bails in his first two attempts.

The game moved on and Kohli eventually reached his double-hundred off 239 balls before getting trapped in front by Taijul.

At 495 for five, Bangladesh reckoned they had a chance to restrict India to a score below 600, but Saha made them pay for the missed opportunity with a 155-ball 106. The innings witnessed seven fours and two sixes.

He shared a 74-run stand with Ravichandran Aswin for the sixth wicket and a century stand with Ravindra Jadeja for the seventh.

Jadeja enjoyed the pitch as well, scoring a quick 60. He however, would not have reached his half-century had Tamim Iqbal not let go of an easy catch at long-on in the 163rd over.

It was a tiring day for Bangladesh with none of the bowlers, except for Taijul, able to make an impact. Taijul bowled a 17-over spell in the morning and finished with figures of three for 156. His economy rate of 3.31 was the best among the bowlers.

Shakib Al Hasan too was disappointing. If Bangladesh does not bowl again this will be the first time since 2013 that Shakib won't get a Test wicket.

After the exchange, the openers put on 38 runs before Soumya bottom-edged a fast Umesh Yadav delivery to the keeper. It was initially given not out, but a review showed that Soumya had feathered it through to Saha.