Put into bat under overcast conditions, Bangladesh endured a reasonably steady 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 these tricky conditions. The wet outfield, owing to overnight rains, had necessitated a delayed start. These factors influenced Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt for bowling upon winning the toss. However, it was clear from the outset that the Kanpur surface was markedly different from the one seen at Chepauk.
Despite the presence of grass on the pitch, the black soil’s nature resulted in a lower degree of bounce and a slower surface. India’s new-ball duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj managed to extract significant swing, with the ball moving prodigiously more often than not. Bangladesh’s openers, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, survived a few close calls but generally appeared assured against the new ball until the arrival of Akash Deep. India’s latest fast bowling sensation struck in his very first over, inducing Zakir to edge to gully, where Yashasvi Jaiswal took a stunning catch. Shortly after, the pacer trapped Shadman LBW, giving India a decisive momentum shift.
Akash Deep was unquestionably the standout bowler of the session. His probing lines and lengths created consistent pressure, frustrating Bangladesh’s batters. However, Shanto and Mominul displayed commendable resilience, hanging on to negate further damage. As the morning progressed and conditions brightened, the surface seemed to have quickened up with the diminishing moisture. There remained enough assistance for the bowlers, and India spared no effort in attempting to break the Shanto-Mominul partnership. Nevertheless, the duo stood steadfast, preventing further incursions into Bangladesh’s batting lineup. Just as the session neared its end, rain made a timely appearance, bringing the proceedings to a halt at the stroke of lunch.
The narrative of the first session was shaped significantly by the overnight rains. The wet outfield not only delayed the start but also influenced the gameplay by initially offering some assistance to fast bowlers before the surface started playing truer.
. Bangladesh’s decision to trust their openers to weather the new ball storm was a calculated move, albeit with mixed results due to Akash Deep’s impressive spell. His performance underscored the growing depth in India’s pace bowling arsenal, adding a fresh dynamic to a team traditionally known for its spin prowess.
Shanto and Mominul’s partnership, though modest in terms of runs, was invaluable in context. Both displayed adept technique and composure against the swinging ball, setting a foundation for the middle order. Shanto, in particular, looked solid, cutting and driving with confidence whenever the bowlers erred in length. Mominul, on the other hand, played a more circumspect innings, focusing on blunting the new ball threat.
As the pair consolidated, India’s bowlers tried various tactics, including changes in pace and line, in a bid to disrupt their rhythm. However, the Bangladeshi batsmen remained unyielding, ensuring that their side reached lunch without further setbacks. This phase of play highlighted the importance of mental fortitude and the ability to adapt to challenging conditions, traits that Shanto and Mominul exhibited in abundance.
With the rain interruption, both teams retreated to their dressing rooms with much to ponder. For India, the challenge was to continue their aggressive approach while being mindful of conserving energy and resources, given the possibility of further weather interruptions. Bangladesh, on their part, would aim to build on the solid platform laid by their captain and Mominul, hoping that their middle order could capitalize on the improving batting conditions.
Brief scores at lunch read Bangladesh 74-2, with Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 28 and Mominul Haque on 17. Akash Deep’s figures of 2-14 stood out as the highlight for India in an otherwise evenly contested session. The next phase of play promises to be intriguing, with both sides keenly aware that the second Test could hinge on how well Bangladesh negotiates the post-lunch period.
In conclusion, the first session of the second Test in Kanpur was an engrossing battle between two determined sides. Bangladesh’s resilience, led by their skipper and Mominul Haque, laid a solid foundation under trying circumstances. Meanwhile, Akash Deep’s incisive bowling showcased the depth and versatility of India’s pace attack, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the match. As both teams head into the next session, the stakes are clear, and the cricketing world watches with bated breath.