Put into bat under ominous overcast conditions, Bangladesh held their own during the morning session on the first day of the second Test against India in Kanpur. The team’s resilience was embodied by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (28 not out) and Mominul Haque (17 not out), who combined for an unbroken 45-run stand, repelling India’s aggressive bowling attack in tricky conditions. The day’s play faced a delayed start due to wet outfield complications caused by overnight rain, ultimately swaying Indian captain Rohit Sharma to opt for bowling first after winning the toss.
The Kanpur surface provided a stark contrast to the pitch seen previously at Chepauk. While there was some grass on the pitch, the black soil composition meant it offered a lower bounce and a slower playing surface. India’s new-ball duo, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, managed to secure significant swing, challenging the Bangladeshi openers who faced multiple close calls in the initial overs. Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, the Bangladeshi openers, managed to fend off the new-ball threat initially, displaying a calm and composed approach.
The complexion of the game changed with the introduction of Akash Deep, India’s latest fast-bowling sensation. He struck gold in his very first over, forcing Zakir Hasan into an edge that was spectacularly caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully. The early breakthrough did not end there, as Akash Deep soon trapped Shadman Islam LBW, giving India the momentum they were seeking in the session.
Akash Deep’s performance underlined his prowess as he consistently bowled probing lines and lengths, making life difficult for the Bangladeshi batters. He emerged as the pick of the bowlers for India in the morning session, posing a constant threat. However, the pair of Shanto and Mominul showcased remarkable endurance, managing to blunt the Indian attack as the morning session progressed.
As the weather conditions improved and the surface quickened with the moisture evaporating, it became slightly easier to bat, although there was still considerable assistance for the bowlers. India’s bowlers kept pressing hard, employing a variety of strategies to break the developing partnership between Shanto and Mominul.
. However, their efforts were met with resilient defense from the Bangladeshi pair, who held the fort resolutely.
The persistent duo managed to mitigate any further damage and stabilized the innings at a crucial juncture. Just as the session was nearing its end and Bangladesh seemed to have found some footing, rain intervened, bringing an unexpected halt to the first innings.
By the lunch interval, Bangladesh was positioned at 74-2, with Najmul Hossain Shanto standing firm at 28 not out and Mominul Haque holding the line at 17 not out. Akash Deep led the Indian bowling attack, claiming figures of 2-14 in his incisive spell.
The evolving narrative of the match saw Bangladesh adopt a cautious yet determined approach to counter India’s potent bowling unit. While the initial breakthroughs by Akash Deep threatened to unhinge their innings, the steady hands of Shanto and Mominul brought much-needed stability to the fold. As they navigated the challenges posed by India’s bowlers, the anticipation builds for how they will manage the rest of the innings under potentially improving conditions.
The Kanpur pitch, with its unique characteristics, has already played a significant role in shaping the morning session’s events. India’s decision to bowl first seemed validated with the early wickets, but the battling spirit of the Bangladesh batting lineup has set the stage for an intriguing contest.
As the day progresses, both teams will be aware of the importance of the next few sessions. For Bangladesh, continuing to build on this foundation without losing further quick wickets will be crucial to setting a competitive first-innings total. India, on the other hand, will be aiming to capitalize on any breakthroughs and maintain pressure throughout the day.
This match in Kanpur could very well be a pivotal one in the series, and as such, every run scored or wicket taken could have significant implications. With Bangladesh showing mettle against an aggressive Indian bowling attack, cricket fans are in for an engrossing and competitive game.