India’s decision to field three pacers in the opening Test against Bangladesh at the traditionally spin-friendly MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has raised eyebrows. However, both teams’ skippers and former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik believe the pitch will offer something for the pacers to exploit.
Bangladesh’s rookie pacer Hasan Mahmud justified this belief with a three-wicket burst that reduced India to 34 for 3 inside 10 overs. The overcast skies, red-soil pitch, and moist track further supported the decision to bowl first with a pace-heavy attack.
India’s last home Test with three pacers was also against Bangladesh in 2019. The move has been successful in the past, with Australia securing convincing 10-wicket victories in two matches where India fielded a trio of fast bowlers.
The pitch report by Karthik highlighted the bounce and turn the red soil pitch would offer, with the spinners expected to come into play as the game progresses. The residual moisture underneath the pitch also gave the pacers an advantage at the start.
Both teams’ playing elevens reflect the belief in the pitch’s suitability for pace bowling. India has included Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj, while Bangladesh has opted for Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana.
India’s decision to bat first after losing the toss is a rare occurrence, with it happening only nine times previously on home soil. Out of those eight occasions, six resulted in draws.
