The upcoming second Test between India and Bangladesh at Green Park in Kanpur is expected to present a contrasting pitch to the one witnessed in the first Test in Chennai. The Kanpur pitch is likely to be flatter, with lower bounce and a slower surface due to its black-soil content.
Unlike the true bounce that characterized the Chepauk pitch, the Green Park pitch will offer less bounce and carry. This is because the pitch is made of black soil, which is known to slow down the ball and reduce bounce. The surface is also expected to become increasingly slower as the Test progresses.
This change in pitch conditions will likely impact team selection. India may consider replacing one of their three seamers with a third spinner, such as Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel. Bangladesh, on the other hand, may bring in left-arm spinner Taijul Islam in place of Nahid Rana if Shakib Al Hasan is ruled out due to injury.
The slower nature of the pitch will make it more challenging for bowlers to extract wickets. However, batters could benefit from the lack of bounce and spin, potentially leading to higher scores. In the 2021 Test at Green Park, Shreyas Iyer scored a century and a fifty on debut, while Tom Latham showcased his defensive skills against Indian spinners.
The last Test played at Green Park, against New Zealand in 2021, lasted five days. India played three spinners in that match, and New Zealand batters showed resilience to draw the game. The upcoming Test is also likely to be a battle of attrition, with both teams looking to capitalize on the conditions.
