Put into bat under overcast conditions, Bangladesh endured a reasonable morning session on the first day of the second Test against India in Kanpur. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (28*) and Mominul Haque (17*) put on an unbroken 45-run stand to defy India’s charge in tricky conditions. Wet outfield due to overnight rains had forced a delayed start, and these factors influenced Indian captain Rohit Sharma to bowl at the toss. However, it was evident from the outset that the Kanpur surface was highly contrasting to the deck seen at Chepauk.

The nature of the pitch was particularly intriguing. While there was grass on offer, the black soil nature of the deck meant a lower degree of bounce and a slower nature for the surface. India’s new-ball duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj did manage to get the ball to swing, and the movement was prodigious more often than not. Bangladesh’s openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan survived a few close calls but generally looked assured against the new ball until the arrival of Akash Deep.

India’s latest fast bowling sensation, Akash Deep, once again struck in his very first over. He managed to get Zakir Hasan edging to gully, where Yashasvi Jaiswal plucked a spectacular catch. Shortly after, the pace bowler had Shadman Islam trapped LBW, giving India the momentum it had been seeking.

Throughout the morning session, Akash Deep was easily the pick of the bowlers. His probing lines and lengths frustrated Bangladesh’s batters, putting them under significant pressure. Despite these challenges, Shanto and Mominul hung in there to blunt the bowling attack. As the conditions grew brighter, the surface seemed to have quickened up with the moisture clearing off. There remained enough help for the bowlers, and the Indian team threw everything they could at the Shanto-Mominul partnership, only for the pair to hold their ground.

The duo managed to prevent further damage, showing remarkable patience and grit. At the stroke of lunch, rain made a timely entry, marking an end to a seesawing session. It was evident that both teams had reasons to be satisfied, with Bangladesh managing to defend against India’s strong bowling lineup and India successfully leveraging early breakthroughs provided by Akash Deep.

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The morning session validated the decision by Indian captain Rohit Sharma to bowl first under such conditions. Bumrah and Siraj, with their ability to exploit swing, were a constant threat. Nonetheless, it was Akash Deep who stole the show with his immediate impact. His ability to procure an edge and then trap Islam LBW showcased his outstanding skill and execution under demanding conditions.

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque offered a masterclass in resilience as they combated not only the bowling attack but also weathering external conditions that initially put them on the back foot. Their unbroken 45-run partnership is crucial as it emphasizes the significance of top-order solidarity in such testing circumstances.

As lunch approached, the rain delay added another layer of complexity to the proceedings. On one hand, it disrupted India’s momentum. On the flip side, it allowed Bangladesh to regroup without further loss, a timely intervention that both sets of players will perceive differently.

Throughout cricket history, sessions like these have often served as a precedent for how a game unfolds. For Bangladesh, it’s not merely about ensuring that they don’t lose wickets; it’s about setting a foundation that the rest of the team can build upon. Shanto and Mominul’s standing acts as a beacon of hope amidst a strong Indian bowling lineup.

India’s approach, highlighted by aggressive spells from Bumrah, Siraj, and particularly Akash Deep, is a testament to their layered bowling attack. With varying skills and experiences, this trio can adapt to different surfaces, providing Rohit Sharma with tactical flexibility.

As the teams return post lunch, the key narrative will revolve around whether Bangladesh can continue to frustrate the Indian bowlers or if India will manage to break into Bangladesh’s middle order promptly. The cricket fraternity will be watching, eager to see how the strategies employed in the morning will influence the latter segments of this gripping Test match.

In conclusion, Bangladesh’s ease against an initially potent Indian attack, alongside Akash Deep’s brilliant spell, laid the foundation for an enthralling contest. At 74-2, with Najmul Hossain Shanto on 28* and Mominul Haque on 17*, Bangladesh finds itself walking the fine line between resilience and vulnerability as the Test match unfolds.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 74-2 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 28*; Akash Deep 2-14) vs India.

By IPL Agent

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