On a bright Monday at Kanpur’s Green Park, after rain interruptions finally gave way to uninterrupted cricket, Team India demonstrated a fierce determination to force a result in the Test match against Bangladesh. Needing to make the most out of the remaining two days, the Indian side exhibited an aggressive approach, aiming to seize vital World Test Championship (WTC) points.
From the outset, India’s intentions were clear. In the first half an hour, they adopted an aggressive bowling strategy, employing a four-man slip cordon to probe the outside off-stump line, putting relentless pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen. Mohammed Siraj’s short-pitched deliveries further exemplified India’s intent, especially when he targeted Mominul Haque with bouncers, probing him after earlier shots went for boundaries.
Tactically astute, Indian captain Rohit Sharma further intensified the pressure with inventive field placements, such as two short mid-wickets, despite the pitch not offering much by way of pace, bounce, or spin. Rohit, later in the day, also showcased his aggressive intent with the bat, stepping out to Khaled Ahmed and striking a six to launch his innings emphatically.
India’s offensive approach left Bangladesh struggling to understand their game plan. As Mehidy Hasan noted after the day’s play, it took Bangladesh nearly two overs to grasp India’s strategy, during which Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal had already smashed two sixes and four boundaries. Records tumbled in this exhilarating spell of cricket as India flirted with the fastest landmarks for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs. The acceleration was relentless; the scoring rate skyrocketed to 8.22 runs per over, defying the typical Test match ethic.
India wasn’t just playing for the thrill or for the reputation of Green Park; they were maximizing a unique opportunity. With the rain limiting play to just 35 overs across the initial three days—during which Bangladesh scored 107 for 3—the hosts were left with the daunting task of capturing 17 additional wickets and then chasing the set total. With precious WTC points on the line and time running out, India was quick to seize control.
Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach, acknowledged the need for urgency, admitting, “This morning, our message was to go for the win. It was important to demonstrate positive intent. With only two days remaining, extended sessions meant there was ample time for cricket. We needed to show intent, both with the ball and the bat.
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Putting this strategy into practice, India’s attack was unified throughout the day’s play. They willingly conceded runs for potential breakthroughs with the ball and risked losing wickets to accelerate the scoring with the bat. At the end of India’s batting innings, the two teams were separated by a mere 52 runs, but it was evident that India had dictated the tempo.
While overseeing the chaos on the pitch, Rohit Sharma remained innovative, utilizing unconventional field settings to exploit the stump-line attack. This proactive approach led to quick wickets, with prominent dismissals of Liton Das and Shakib Al Hasan. Mominul Haque, however, resisted effectively, employing pulls and sweeps to negate India’s pressure.
The Indian bowlers faced stiff resistance from Mominul and Mehidy Hasan Miraz for about an hour, during which crucial breakthroughs seemed elusive. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s pivotal spell proved transformative, breaking their partnership and leading to the end of Bangladesh’s innings. Despite some dropped chances, India’s fielders played a key role, as highlighted by Rohit’s one-handed catch off Litton Das and Siraj’s athletic dive to dismiss Shakib.
Beyond the success of India’s aggression, Bangladesh’s errors contributed significantly to the hosts’ dominance. Misjudgments, errors in judgment in missed run-outs, and review misfires aptly highlighted the pressure Bangladesh was under. Notably, in the third over of India’s innings, Bangladesh failed to appeal a clear edge from Rohit Sharma, who was reprieved, adding four more runs before being dismissed. Similarly, Khaled Ahmed missed a straightforward run-out opportunity against Virat Kohli, allowing him to post 45 runs after being on just 2.
As the match enters its final day, both teams eye a narrow difference of just 26 runs and two remaining wickets, with contrasting mindsets. India’s approach, clear and aggressive, contrasts with Bangladesh’s more conservative, safety-first strategy. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz outlined their thinking, “Winning requires time. If we set a target, we must take ten more wickets. Our focus will be to bat long and assess possibilities.”
Although India’s strategy has kept them in control, the Kanpur Test remains a tightly contested affair, with both teams holding onto hopes for a favorable outcome.