After a 280-run win in Chennai, the Indian national cricket team is now preparing for the second and final Test match of the series against Bangladesh.
The match between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, starting from Friday, September 27.
India will look to complete a clean sweep over Bangladesh in the final Test and improve their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, were outclassed by India during the first match of the series and are eager to prove their worth in the upcoming match.
It had a negative effect – Arvind Kumar Shrivastava
Green Park has hosted several historic Test matches. The ground has traditionally had black clay pitches, which are expected to be less bouncy.
The pace of the pitch is expected to slow down as the match progresses. The hosts have recorded seven wins, three losses and 13 draws in 23 Test matches at this stadium.
Kanpur is gearing up to host a Test match after a three-year gap. Arvind Kumar Shrivastava, secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, highlighted the negative impact of the lack of international matches during this period.
“We were not allowed to play international cricket for three years and that had a negative effect. We had domestic matches but without international matches, the entire organisation, from the outfield to the drainage and everything, went haywire. We had to revamp everything,” Shrivastava told RevSportz.
Two pitches prepared for second test between India and Bangladesh
Kanpur also hosted the hosts’ 500th Test match in 2016. The venue last hosted a match against New Zealand in November 2021.
Debutants Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel showed resilience as the last-placed pair. From India’s perspective, the pitch did not deteriorate as expected during that match.
According to RevSportz, two pitches have been prepared for the second Test match. The Indian team management will have to decide on the pitch for the match.
RevSportz reported that Shrivastava confirmed that one wicket is favourable for seam players while the other is expected to benefit spinners.
🚨Two pitches have been prepared at Green Park for the second Test between India and Bangladesh. One is suitable for spin bowlers and the other will help the seam bowlers. The Indian team will choose. @rohitjuglan and @shamik100 discuss. @ThumsUpOfficial @BCCI #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/Hxk9wR06rN
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) September 24, 2024
The hosts used a hard red clay pitch in the first Test in Chennai, which helped their fast bowlers. As they prepare for the second Test, there are questions about their line-up.
The team management will have to finalize their strategy, whether it be to retain the same line-up or include Kuldeep Yadav in the XI.
If they decide to use two fast bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep will compete for a spot as Jasprit Bumrah’s fast bowling partner. The upcoming practice sessions are expected to provide clarity.
The hosts opted for a combination of three fast pacers and two spinners for the series opener. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the two spinners in the line-up while Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj shared the fast bowling duties against Bangladesh in Chennai.
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