Under overcast skies on the first day of the second Test match between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur, the visitors put up a valiant effort after being asked to bat. The morning session saw Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (28*) and Mominul Haque (17*) forming a steadfast, unbroken 45-run partnership, successfully defying India’s incisive bowling attack in challenging conditions. The wet outfield due to overnight rain had delayed the start, prompting Indian captain Rohit Sharma to opt for bowling first after winning the toss. However, it was clear from the get-go that the Kanpur pitch bore little resemblance to the one in Chepauk.
Despite traces of grass on the pitch, the black soil characteristic of the Kanpur deck resulted in minimal bounce and slower surface conditions. India’s new-ball pair, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, managed to generate significant swing, with the ball moving considerably. Bangladesh’s openers, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, navigated through a few tight moments but appeared composed against the fresh ball until the introduction of Akash Deep.
Making yet another strong impression, Akash Deep struck in his very first over, dismissing Zakir Hasan who edged a delivery to gully, where Yashasvi Jaiswal took a remarkable catch. Shortly thereafter, the pacer trapped Shadman Islam LBW, providing India with a crucial breakthrough and shifting momentum in their favor.
Akash Deep was undoubtedly the standout bowler of the session, maintaining precise lines and lengths that continually tested the Bangladesh batters. Even in the face of such probing bowling, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque managed to hold their ground, resisting the Indian attack. As the morning progressed and the conditions became less gloomy, the pitch seemed to quicken slightly with the evaporation of surface moisture. Nonetheless, there remained considerable assistance for the bowlers, leading India to throw everything into disrupting the Shanto-Mominul stand.
Despite relentless pressure from the Indian bowlers, Shanto and Mominul demonstrated tenacity and technique, ensuring they did not lose any further wickets before the lunch break. Their defensive play was integral in preventing additional damage, and just as tensions were peaking, the weather intervened once more, with rain arriving at the stroke of lunch.
This first session set an intriguing tone for the remainder of the match.
. The scoreboard reflected Bangladesh’s score at 74-2, with Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 28 and Mominul Haque not out on 17, while Akash Deep had impressive figures of 2-14. The early strikes by India, especially those by Akash Deep, had given them a slight edge, but the remarkable fightback by Shanto and Mominul has also set up a gripping contest.
Playing in overcast conditions often favors the bowling side, and this case was no exception. The moisture in the air and on the pitch lent the bowlers more than enough to work with initially. Yet, as the match wore on and the clouds began to clear, batting conditions appeared to improve, though the challenge from the Indian pace attack remained ever-present.
For Bangladesh, this Test match is crucial in terms of obtaining a foothold after losing the first match. Skipper Shanto and Mominul’s efforts will not only be vital for this innings but could set the tone for the rest of the match. Their ability to negotiate the swinging and seaming conditions early on has already shown that they possess the grit required to contest against the formidable Indian bowling line-up.
India, on their part, would be keen to chip away with regular wickets, given the slow nature of the pitch might make it difficult once batsmen settle in. The persistence of Akash Deep has already paid dividends, and India’s ace bowlers will look to build on the early inroads made.
With the weather playing a significant role and potentially more interruptions on the horizon, both teams need to remain adaptable. What has remained constant, though, is the underlying tension and anticipation of an enthralling battle between bat and ball. Fans can look forward to a captivating pace as the days progress, evaluating who can better exploit the conditions at hand.
In capturing this day’s play, one theme stands out unmistakably—the resilience shown by Bangladesh against a probing Indian attack. As the second Test unfolds, this resistance may well shape the series, highlighting the unpredictable yet compelling nature of Test cricket.