Uncertainty Looms Over Pitch Conditions for India-Bangladesh Test

Uncertainty Looms Over Pitch Conditions for India-Bangladesh Test

The second Test between India and Bangladesh is shrouded in uncertainty as both teams remain unaware of the pitch conditions. India’s batting coach, Abhishek Nayar, expressed his ignorance about the surface, while Bangladesh’s head coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe, revealed that two pitches have been prepared, but the final decision will be made on the morning of the match.

During India’s training session, captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir inspected both pitches. The drier black-soil surface seemed to garner more attention. Initial indications suggest a batting-friendly start, transitioning to slow and low turn from the third day onwards.

However, the weather forecast poses a challenge. Overcast conditions and thunderstorms are predicted for the first three days, potentially hindering the natural wear and tear that typically aids spin-friendly pitches. Rain interrupted India’s training session, prompting the groundstaff to cover the square.

As a result, India will finalize their XI on the morning of the Test, considering the possibility of an extra spinner instead of the extra seamer used in Chennai. Both pitches appear promising, but the conditions will ultimately determine the pitch’s behavior.

India leads the series 1-0 and may opt for a spinner over a seamer. Kuldeep Yadav, who impressed against England earlier this year, and Axar Patel, known for his relentless stump-to-stump attack, are potential candidates. Axar played alongside R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in India’s last Test in Kanpur against New Zealand in 2021, which ended in a draw.

Shakib Al Hasan Eligible for Selection in Second India-Bangladesh Test

Shakib Al Hasan Eligible for Selection in Second India-Bangladesh Test

Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in the second Test between India and Bangladesh has been the subject of speculation, but head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has confirmed that the all-rounder is “eligible for selection.”

Shakib’s performance in the first Test in Chennai was below par, with the left-arm spinner bowling only 21 overs and conceding 129 runs without taking a wicket. He also scored 32 and 25 in Bangladesh’s 280-run defeat.

However, Hathurusinghe has dismissed any concerns about Shakib’s fitness, stating that he has not received any official complaints or reports of an injury. “I haven’t heard anything officially or any complaints (about Shakib),” he said. “There is no doubt about that at the moment. I haven’t heard from my physio or from anyone. He’s still eligible for selection.”

Bangladesh are in need of a better batting performance in the second Test, particularly in the first innings. Conditions in Kanpur may help, with the pitch expected to be less lively than the one in Chennai.

Hathurusinghe said the players had talked about their shortcomings and it was about “whether we’re able to do that in the middle. We have our KPIs, what we want, and we normally talk about if you make a start, make it big. That’s the biggest concern, because some of the guys got 30 balls (and then got out). In cricket, it’s the hardest thing to get in. But then, this team, India, has been posing different challenges, so we know that as well. So we have to be better for longer.”

Bangladesh had their left-hand heavy top-order picked apart by India’s quicks in Chennai. They have the option of bringing in the right-hander Mahmudul Hasan Joy but that decision will not be a knee-jerk one.

“Just because of the left-handers, right-handers, is not the thing that we will take into consideration. If we are making a change, whether that batsman, whether Mahmudul Joy or whoever is coming in, what he can bring and who will miss out, and we look at it holistically like that, rather than left or right.”

Kanpur Test Pitch to Offer Flatter, Slower Surface

Kanpur Test Pitch to Offer Flatter, Slower Surface

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.

Ashwin Redefines Preparation for Intense Test Season at 38

Tamim Iqbal: “Ashwin as big as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma”

In the first test match against Bangladesh, the host showed their dominance as they defeated the visitors by a margin of 280 runs.

In this victory Ravichandran Ashwin played a crucial role as he notched up a century and a fifer and was rightfully named as the player of the match for the contribution.

But even after this, in a country where the popularity for batters is more, players like Ashwin find it tough to gain recognition, however, Tamim Iqbal, a veteran Bangladesh player makes a statement stating the importance of Ashwin is equal to Kohli.

“That was brilliant what he did, he was batting like a proper batter. I come from a different country. What I always hear is Virat Kohlis and Rohit Sharmas but Ravichandran Ashwin is equally important in my eyes.” said Tamim Iqbal.

Tamim Iqbal is working as one of the commentators for the Bangladesh tour of India, and the praises were continued as even captain Rohit Sharma lauds Ashwin.

“I don’t know if I speak here, it’ll be enough of what he does for this team. Every time we see him come out and do the job, it’s always so brilliant. He’s never out of the game.” Rohit lauded.

“The last competitive cricket he played was IPL and then he had some fun playing TNPL. We watched him bat up the order and that’s what helped him as well to bat the way he did,” Rohit added post-match presentation.

India Crushes Bangladesh by 280 Runs in First Test

India Crushes Bangladesh by 280 Runs in First Test

Bangladesh’s dream run in Test cricket came to an abrupt end as they suffered a crushing 280-run defeat against India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side, which had recently swept Pakistan 2-0, was outplayed in all departments by a dominant Indian team.

India’s bowlers wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming five wickets, Ravichandran Ashwin taking six, Ravindra Jadeja picking up five, Mohammed Siraj grabbing two, and Akash Deep chipping in with two. The hosts’ spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, exploited the turning pitch to their advantage, while the pacers provided excellent support.

Former Pakistan player Basit Ali praised the pitch curators for preparing a surface that offered a fair contest between bat and ball. He criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its poor track record in preparing Test match pitches.

“The bowlers ticked all the boxes. India played two spinners, keeping in mind that the ball will spin and it happened. So the credit goes to the pitch curators, who know how to make a Test match surface,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.

“In our nation, they say there is no value of pitch. They are illiterate people. The one who have played cricket with pride are there on the Board (PCB). This is what I get angry. What are you teaching to kids?” he added.

Ali emphasized the importance of understanding the pitch conditions, highlighting the examples of legendary batsmen Sunil Gavaskar and Javed Miandad.

“50 per cent of the issue is solved if you read the pitch well, ask Sunil Gavaskar and Javed Miandad. But they don’t understand,” he said.

The second and final Test between India and Bangladesh will commence on September 27.

Rain Threatens to Delay India's Victory Push in Chennai Test

Rain Threatens to Delay India’s Victory Push in Chennai Test

India vs Bangladesh Test: Rain Threatens to Delay India’s Victory Push

The first India vs Bangladesh Test in Chennai has been marred by bad light and the threat of rain, forcing an early end to Day 3 and casting doubt over India’s chances of securing a victory.

As India tightened their grip on the match, a cloud cover descended over the Chepauk Test in the final session, prompting the umpires to call off play with 10 overs remaining. The weather forecast for Sunday is equally concerning, with showers predicted that could further delay India’s bid for a 1-0 series lead.

Overnight rain and thunderstorms are expected in Chennai, with cloudy weather persisting throughout the fourth day. The Weather Channel predicts rain after midnight, potentially carrying on until 5 am. This could lead to a delayed start or even a stop-start game, depending on the condition of the field.

At the close of play on Day 3, Bangladesh were 158 for 4, still requiring 357 runs to chase down India’s mammoth total of 515. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star performer for India, claiming three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah took one. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan were unbeaten on 51 and 5, respectively, when play was halted.

If the rain does not interfere, India will be looking to wrap up the match quickly. The overcast conditions are expected to favor fast bowling, which could give India an advantage. However, the threat of rain remains a major concern and could potentially spoil India’s victory push.

Kohli and Pant's Sunglasses Swap Adds Lighthearted Moment to India-Bangladesh Test

Kohli and Pant’s Sunglasses Swap Adds Lighthearted Moment to India-Bangladesh Test

Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant’s Lighthearted Sunglasses Swap Steals the Show in India vs. Bangladesh Test

In a moment of camaraderie and lightheartedness, Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant engaged in a memorable sunglasses exchange during the third day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai.

As the second innings of Bangladesh’s batting unfolded, Kohli removed his sunglasses and handed them directly to Pant. Without hesitation, Pant removed his own pair and donned Kohli’s. In a reciprocal gesture, Pant then offered his sunglasses to Kohli, who accepted and put them on.

The exchange, captured by cameras, highlighted the strong bond between the two teammates. It also provided a brief moment of levity amidst the intense competition on the field.

Meanwhile, the match itself saw Bangladesh facing an uphill battle at stumps on the third day. Chasing an imposing target of 515, they had lost four wickets for 158 runs. India had earlier declared their second innings at 287/4, thanks to centuries from Pant (109) and Shubman Gill (119).

Bangladesh’s hopes of a comeback were further dented by the impressive bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed three wickets for 63 runs. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 51 at the close of play, providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

Shakib Al Hasan Becomes Oldest Bangladesh Player to Feature in Test Match

Shakib Al Hasan Becomes Oldest Bangladesh Player to Feature in Test Match

Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has etched his name in Bangladesh cricket history by becoming the oldest player from his nation to feature in a Test match. At 37 years and 181 days, Shakib took the field on Day 3 of Bangladesh’s first Test against India in Chennai, surpassing the previous record held by left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique, who was 37 years and 180 days when he last played a Test in 2008.

Shakib, a central figure in Bangladesh cricket for more than a decade, continues to add to his illustrious career with this latest milestone. Widely regarded as one of the game’s premier all-rounders, his longevity and contribution to the team have been instrumental.

While Shakib’s achievement is significant, the world record for the oldest Test cricketer remains with England’s Wilfred Rhodes, who played his final Test at 52 years and 165 days in 1930. Rhodes’ record, as well as his remarkable 30-year Test career, stands as one of cricket’s longest-lasting feats.

On the field, however, Bangladesh found themselves in a tough position against a dominant Indian side. Shubman Gill led the charge on Day 3 with his seventh Test fifty, and Rishabh Pant was inching toward his 12th fifty as India surged to 141 for 3 after 40 overs, extending their lead to over 350 runs.

Earlier on Day 2, India pacer Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc on Bangladesh’s batting lineup, claiming 4 for 50 as the visitors were bundled out for a mere 149 in their first innings. Despite efforts from experienced players like Shakib (32) and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das (22), Bangladesh struggled to mount a meaningful response to India’s solid first-innings total.

Shakib’s inclusion in the Test team is a testament to his enduring quality and the value he brings to the side. His experience, skill, and leadership will be crucial as Bangladesh looks to navigate the challenges of the series against India.

Kohli-Rahim Rivalry Resurfaces as India Dominates Bangladesh in Chennai Test

Kohli-Rahim Rivalry Resurfaces as India Dominates Bangladesh in Chennai Test

Virat Kohli and Mushfiqur Rahim’s on-field rivalry has been a topic of discussion for years, and it resurfaced during the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal hinted at Kohli’s history of sledging Rahim, prompting a cheeky response from ex-India coach Ravi Shastri.

Rahim has previously stated that Kohli often engages in verbal exchanges with him on the field. “He always tries to sledge me every time I go in to bat,” Rahim said. “He’s a really competitive guy and doesn’t want to lose any cricket match.”

Kohli’s competitive nature was evident in India’s dominant performance on Day 2 of the Test. After dismissing Bangladesh for 149, India extended their lead to 308. However, Kohli’s innings was cut short when he was trapped lbw by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 17.

Despite Kohli’s dismissal, India remained in control of the match. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were unbeaten on 33 and 12, respectively, at stumps.

Bangladesh’s top scorer was Shakib Al Hasan with 32, while Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of India’s bowlers with 4/55.

The hosts opted not to enforce the follow-on, giving Bangladesh a chance to bat again. However, India’s bowlers will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly and securing a series victory.

Kohli's 'Malinga' Remark Lightens Mood in India-Bangladesh Test

Kohli’s ‘Malinga’ Remark Lightens Mood in India-Bangladesh Test

Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Remark Lightens Mood During India-Bangladesh Test

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli injected a dose of humor into the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai with a hilarious remark aimed at Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Kohli found himself at the crease early in India’s second innings, just like the first, after the hosts lost two quick wickets. However, his stay was brief, as he was dismissed for 17 runs by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The incident occurred during India’s second innings when Kohli was at the non-striker’s end. The stump mic captured Kohli humorously referring to Shakib as ‘Malinga,’ a nod to the former Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga, who was famous for his exceptional yorkers.

“Tu Malinga bana hua hai, Yorker pe Yorker de raha hai!” Kohli joked, as Shakib consistently delivered a series of effective yorkers.

Kohli’s remark not only showcased his wit but also highlighted Shakib’s impressive bowling performance, reminiscent of the legendary Malinga known for his deadly yorkers.

Shakib, who has been a standout player for Bangladesh, took the comment in good humor, reflecting the sportsmanship that characterises cricket.

Kohli’s early dismissal was a setback for India, but his hilarious remark provided a light-hearted moment in an otherwise tense match. The incident also highlighted the camaraderie between the two players, who have faced each other on numerous occasions in international cricket.

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