India set a new benchmark in Test cricket by breaking the record for the fastest team fifty during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur on Monday (September 30). The Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, switched to T20 mode as they stormed to 51 runs in just 3 overs, surpassing England's previous record of reaching fifty in 4.2 overs. England had set that mark earlier this year in July during a Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, breaking a 30-year-old record of their own.
With just over four sessions remaining to push for a result in the Test, Rohit (19 off 6 balls) and Jaiswal (30 off 13 balls) came out with clear attacking intent as India looked to chase down Bangladesh's first-innings total of 233. Jaiswal got things rolling by smashing three boundaries in the very first over, bowled by Hasan Mahmud, Bangladesh's standout pacer from the previous Test. Rohit, on the other hand, focused on clearing the boundary ropes, hammering two sixes in the second over bowled by Khaled Mahmud.
In the third over, Hasan Mahmud was once again on the receiving end as Rohit hit another massive six, and Jaiswal followed with a maximum of his own. Jaiswal then capped off the over with consecutive fours, helping India notch up the fastest fifty in the history of Test cricket. Bangladesh immediately introduced spin in the fourth over, but Rohit was undeterred, adding another boundary to his tally. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed to strike back, clean bowling the Indian skipper for 23 off just 11 balls.
Despite Rohit’s dismissal, Jaiswal continued his aggressive approach, bringing up his half-century in no time, making it the fourth-fastest fifty by an Indian player in Test history. He was joined by Shubman Gill, who played a steady hand with 11* off 11 balls. Together, the duo pushed India’s total to 99/1 in just 10 overs, setting the stage for a potentially decisive innings in the match.
India’s blistering start not only gave them a psychological edge but also showcased their ability to adapt and dominate in any format of the game, even in the traditionally conservative Test arena. Jaiswal's sparkling innings, combined with Rohit's explosive start, provided India with the momentum they needed to take control of the second Test.
