KANPUR: Under heavily overcast skies, Bangladesh began their morning session on the first day of the second Test against India with resilience, successfully weathering a tricky situation after being put into bat. The overnight rain left the outfield wet, resulting in a delayed start. The challenging conditions prompted Indian captain Rohit Sharma to opt for bowling after winning the toss.
From the outset, it became clear that the pitch at Kanpur bore a stark contrast to the one used at Chepauk in the previous encounter. While patches of grass were visible, the black soil composition of the Kanpur surface translated into lower bounce and a relatively slower pace. This did not deter India’s pace aces Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who managed to generate ample swing, constantly probing the Bangladeshi openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan.
Despite the early onslaught, Bangladesh’s openers displayed commendable determination and looked quite assured, notwithstanding a few close calls. Shadman and Zakir appeared to be settling in nicely until the introduction of India’s new pace sensation, Akash Deep. Making his presence felt immediately, Akash Deep struck gold in his very first over, enticing Zakir to edge one to the gully where Yashasvi Jaiswal made no mistake with a spectacular catch. Before Bangladesh could stabilize, Akash Deep delivered another blow, trapping Shadman LBW, to firmly wrest the initiative in India’s favour.
Akash Deep, showcasing precision and skill, was undoubtedly the standout performer for India during this phase. His accurate lines and lengths made life extremely tough for the Bangladeshi batsmen. Nevertheless, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque were up to the challenge. The duo managed to survive the hostile spell and gradually began to mount a resistance.
As the morning progressed, the skies started to clear, and with the moisture dissipating from the pitch, the conditions for batting began to improve slightly. However, the surface continued to have enough in it to keep the bowlers interested.
. Recognizing this, Indian bowlers threw in everything they had, tirelessly working to break the burgeoning partnership between Shanto and Mominul. But the Bangladeshi batsmen held their ground, blunting the bowling attack with a mix of cautious defence and opportunistic runs.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, remaining unbeaten on 28, showcased a blend of patience and occasional flair, while Mominul Haque, not out on 17, provided sturdy support. Their unbroken 45-run stand was crucial under the circumstances, playing a vital role in stabilizing the innings after the early double blow.
With the bowlers’ relentless efforts coming to no avail, the last session of the morning was also marked by indomitable courage from the Bangladeshi batsmen. The pair ensured there were no further setbacks. And just as the Indian bowlers intensified their efforts, an untimely but welcome intervention came in the form of a rain interruption, bringing an early end to the session.
The brief scores at lunch reflected the hard-fought competitiveness that defined the morning’s play. Bangladesh stood at 74 for 2 with Najmul Hossain Shanto remaining 28 not out and Mominul Haque on 17 not out, both batsmen having displayed grit under testing conditions. Akash Deep was India’s hero of the morning, claiming figures of 2 for 14, his twin strikes instrumental in putting their opponents on the back foot.
While the rain offered temporary respite, both teams will be aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Bangladesh, having steadied the ship, will aim to build on this platform, hoping for a significant first-innings total. Conversely, India will look to strike early once play resumes, counting on the likes of Akash Deep and the rest of the attack to make further inroads.
As the second session beckons post-lunch, all eyes will be on how the weather conditions evolve and how the pitch behaves with the moisture receding. The match promises intriguing tussles and potentially game-changing moments, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of this riveting Test contest.