It was a day of several sub plots – a free-flowing hundred, cauldron-like conditions that forced two batsmen to retreat to the pavilion, a crucial judgmental error from an experienced captain and the fruitless toil of a set of luckless bowlers. But the main theme on Friday was the overwhelming domination of the Indian batsmen. An overnight downpour that soaked Dhaka had threatened to reduce the first day's play of the second Test to a non-starter, but the timely appearance of sun ensured perfect ground conditions and the Indian batsmen – centurion Wasim Jaffer in particular – came up with the most authoritative performance on this tour so far.
Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar's blunder too played a part in India racking up an intimidating 326 for no loss at the end of the first day. Bashar called it right — the only right thing he did on Friday — and, perhaps, much to the amusement of India camp, he opted to field on an absolute shirtfront.
The visitors were in no mood to look a gift horse in the mouth. Jaffer and Dinesh Kaarthick made a steady start to the innings, avoiding any undue risks, and the Bangladesh bowlers too maintained a good line during the pre-lunch session as only 67 runs came in 23 overs.

Attritional methods
But the post-lunch session witnessed the attritional methods of the openers making way to a more aggressive approach. Jaffer came out of his shell with those archetypal elegant drives past the bowlers and cover fielders. The decision to rest left-arm spinner Enamul Haq Jr and play pace bowler Mohammad Sharif – Shahadat Hossain did not recover sufficiently from fever – proved a wrong one as Jaffer faced him with ease.
The Mumbaikar put behind the ignominy of the first-Test pair in style, notching up his fourth Test hundred and he showed immense determination in batting nearly through the day in taxing conditions. Jaffer retreated to the pavilion after making 138 due to cramps. The only blemish in his otherwise smooth knock was a chance he offered to Mohammad Rafique. The left-arm spinner put down Jaffer's weak uppish straight drive when the batsman was on 42.
Jaffer and skipper Rahul Dravid milked 106 runs in just over 24 overs that gave India a strong platform from where they can stretch the total further beyond the grasp of Bangladesh on Saturday.
Dravid too was at his sublime best; giving absolutely no chance to the bowlers. The Bangalorean scored at a brisk pace without taking any unnecessary risks and the lone spark of aggression came when he hoisted part-time leg-spinner Mohammad Ashraful for a maximum over the bowler's head. He was unbeaten on 88 and looks all set to register a big knock. Sachin Tendulkar was giving him company with an unbeaten nine.

Giving impetus
In the post lunch session, Kaarthick took it upon himself the task of giving impetus to the scoring and the sufferer was Mashrafe Mortaza. The 21-year-old Tamil Nadu youngster hammered Mortaza for three top-class fours in succession — fine drives on either side of the wicket —  and he followed it up with a delicate flick in the second over after lunch and the paceman had to hobble off the park with an ankle sprain in the same over. Though he came back later, Mortaza never found his rhythm. Kaarthick and Jaffer added 175 runs for the opening wicket that is still to be separated.
Kaarthick (82 n.o) received two let-offs. Saqibul Hasan grassed a relatively simple chance at second slip off Mortaza when the batsman was on 11 and a while after, umpire Daryl Harper failed to hear a snick off Sharif much to the disappointment of Bangladesh players. Kaarthick appeared well on course for his maiden Test hundred, but the trying condition had the last word; team staff had to carry him off the field as the umpires called for tea.
The Bangladesh bowlers, to their credit, tried gamely for most part of the day. But the Indian batsmen were too good for them on the day.