Glorious Gambhir puts India firmly in control

Gautam Gambhir became the fourth batsman to hit centuries in five Tests in a row to put India firmly in control of the opening test against Bangladesh on the fourth day on Wednesday.

Gautam Gambhir became the fourth batsman to hit centuries in five Tests in a row to put India firmly in control of the opening test against Bangladesh on the fourth day on Wednesday.

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The opener matched the feat achieved by Don Bradman, Jacques Kallis and Mohammad Yousuf when he made 116 as India declared on 413 for eight to set Bangladesh an unlikely target of 415 to win.

The home team were then reduced to 67 for two at the close of play.

Pacemen Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma took one wicket apiece to leave Bangladesh facing a fight to save the match.

Zaheer had opener Imrul Kayes caught by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik for one before Shahriar Nafees (21) pushed Sharma to Virender Sehwag in the gully.

Tamim Iqbal (23) and Mohammad Ashraful (16) were the not-out batsmen when stumps were drawn.

Earlier, the in-form Gambhir recorded his ninth test century and Vangipurappu Laxman added 69 not out.

The left-hander had a let-off on 55 when Kayes dropped him at forward short leg off Al Hasan.

Debutant paceman Shafiul Islam claimed his first test wicket when he had Gambhir caught at third man by Nafees.

Nightwatchman Amit Mishra, 24 not out overnight, completed his maiden test half-century before being caught off Mahmudullah for 50.

Al Hasan and Mahmudullah finished with two wickets each.