Bangladesh are gearing up to face India in the second Test match at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Friday. The match is scheduled to start 10:30 AM Bangladesh time.
Both teams engaged in rigorous training sessions under bright, sunny skies upon their arrival in Kanpur. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, currently holds a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, having secured a commanding 280-run victory in the first Test at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India aims to maintain their winning momentum as their home season progresses as Bangladesh will aim to level the series and make it another historical series to remember.
The challenge for Bangladesh in Kanpur is formidable. The last Test played here saw New Zealand's tailenders secure a draw, and there is uncertainty about the pitch conditions. The ground staff have prepared two surfaces, and as of noon on the eve of the match, it was unclear which one would be used.
Kanpur typically offers pitches that favour fast bowlers on the first morning before flattening out and assisting spinners in the final two days. However, weather forecasts predict rain for the first three days, which could affect the pitch, the toss decision, and team compositions.
Despite the challenges, there are positives for Bangladesh. In their second innings in Chennai, the openers provided a solid start, and Najmul Hossain Shanto returned to form with a score of 82. In the first innings, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz all made promising starts. To compete effectively against India, Bangladesh will need to sustain their performance over longer periods.
Shubman Gill, who scored 452 runs with two centuries in the home series against England earlier this year, remains a key player for India. Although he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings in Chennai, he bounced back with an unbeaten 119 in the second innings. With upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia, Gill will be keen to refine his game at No. 3.
Shakib Al Hasan continues to be a focal point for Bangladesh. During the Chennai Test, he was seen biting a black strap around his neck to maintain his head position while batting. Concerns about his workload and effectiveness with the ball have been raised, but head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe confirmed Shakib's availability for the second Test. On the eve of the match, Shakib made a significant announcement about his future, adding to the anticipation.
The stage is set for an exciting encounter as Bangladesh seeks to level the series against a strong Indian side.
