New Delhi: The first Test between India and Bangladesh got underway at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. The second day was heavily dominated by the hosts – although the fans couldn’t witness the batting prowess of Ravichandran Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86) for longer, leading Rohit Sharma & co. to wrap up their first innings at 376 as the visitors almost ran through the lower order with the new ball in the first session.
At stumps on Day 2, India were 81/3 after 23 overs of their second innings. It seems Bangladesh, having opted to bowl first, could only think about the bowling conditions as when they turned out to bat, things weren’t so easy for them. What they did with Pakistan in the previous series is well-versed but they couldn’t replicate the heroics at Chepauk as Indian pacers showed why they are the best in home conditions.
The Chennai pitch hardly offers anything for the pacers but it seems the recent overcast conditions have brought tremendous changes to that fact. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the very first over followed by Akash Deep who picked two wickets in succession. Even Mohammed Siraj entered the wicket-taking party but it was a struggle for the spinners to bag wickets on that surface.
It was Ravindra Jadeja who finally broke the deadlock, removing two set batters Shakib Al Hasan (32) and Litton Das (22), who were building a worthy stand for the sixth wicket that was cut short to 51. Mehidy Hasan Miraz could manage 27* as Bumrah bagged a four-wicket haul to wrap Bangladesh’s innings on the second day itself, giving India the opportunity to bat again on the day and add to the 227-run lead.
The likes of Rohit, Yashavi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli were removed before stumps were called as India took the lead to 308 runs. Nonetheless, it would be highly interesting to watch out how the third day fares out for both teams. What could be on the cards for India and will Bangladesh be able to fight back?
What to expect on Chennai Test Day 3?
The only thing that could probably be sighted from this point in the game is a three-day Test match. India have done it earlier, even on foreign soil and it shall be a piece of cake to do that at home. Considering the decent lead that the hosts have gained and they still bat, India should be eyeing a score near 200 in their second essay to consolidate the lead even more. If Shubman Gill (33) successfully survives even half an hour of the first session, he could complete his fifty.
The Indian bowling has clearly outshined that of Bangladesh’s and it looks like any given target shall be done deal for the bowlers who didn’t even let the visitors cross the 200-run mark. Bumrah, as a result, could complete his five-wicket haul. A target of 400-450 should be enough for India to cross out the risk factor as well because the only thing that would be concerning is the two complete days Bangladesh would get to bat in the second innings.
Can Bangladesh bounce back?
While it was expected of the Bangla Tigers to make good use of the new ball and the fresh conditions, things again stand as such on the third day. A few early blows to India could dent their confidence a bit but nothing more than that as they would continue to possess the commanding position. The bowlers tend to do their job on Day 3 but from their perspective, the game clearly lies in the hands of the batters as of now. The likes of Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz would need to emulate what they did a few days back in Pakistan.
Expected pitch and weather conditions
The pitch has already been used for two full days, without any rain interruption, so it would traditionally deteriorate even more. But the red-soil track scammed the cricket pundits on the second day, showing no turning characteristics and rather helping the pacers at large. The new ball will surely give the pace benefit and taking into consideration the Chennai weather, the fast bowlers can use the green grass on it to swing the ball.
Spinners won’t get much help as even the weather on Friday (Day 3) is expected to be “cloudy” with a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon, as per AccuWeather which would bring the moisture into the play and thus the pacers showing their prowess, even with the used ball.
India ended Day 2 on a high as the bowlers showed their masterclass with Jasprit Bumrah notching up a four-for to bundle out Bangladesh for 149 and ensure that India stay in the leading position. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
