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Team India are gearing up to take on Bangladesh in the second and final Test of the two-match series at the historic Green Park in Kanpur, starting on September 27. After a dominant performance in the first Test in Chennai, where India secured a 280-run victory, they will look to maintain their winning momentum. The Green Park venue is considered a lucky ground for India, known for delivering favorable results to the hosts.
Key performers from India’s win in Chennai
In the opening Test, India displayed an all-round performance, with Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill emerging as the standout performers. Pant and Gill both registered brilliant centuries, helping India pile on a formidable total. Ashwin, however, stole the show with his extraordinary contribution—scoring a century and claiming a six-wicket haul, earning him the Player of the Match award.
India will be eager to continue their dominance in Kanpur, where conditions may favor spin, further boosting the home side’s chances of clinching the series.
Bangladesh looking to bounce back
After a heavy defeat in the first Test, Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back to level the series. The conditions in Kanpur are expected to feature a slow pitch with black soil, making spin bowling a key factor. Bangladesh’s spin attack is well-equipped to handle such conditions, but the potential absence of their star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, could be a setback.
Shakib injured his finger during the first Test after being struck by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, casting doubt on his availability for the second match. While no official decision has been made, Bangladesh might opt to rest Shakib considering future commitments. If he misses out, Taijul Islam, the experienced left-arm spinner, is expected to lead the spin department, offering Bangladesh hope with his proven track record.
Also READ: Will Shakib al Hasan be dropped from Bangladesh team for South Africa Tests? Here’s the answer
Bangladesh’s best-playing XI for the second Test against India:
1. Shadman Islam
An opening batter with a solid defensive technique, Shadman will be crucial for Bangladesh to get off to a stable start. Though he struggled in the first Test, he is known for his ability to grind out runs in testing conditions.
Current Record: 16 matches | 732 runs | Average: 25.24
2. Zakir Hasan
A promising young talent, Zakir Hasan has shown glimpses of his potential in the past. With a sound technique and temperament, he will be expected to play a pivotal role at the top of the order.
Current Record: 10 matches | 559 runs | Average: 24.92
3. Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
The captain and a dependable middle-order batsman, Shanto will carry the responsibility of anchoring the innings. He has been in decent form, and his leadership will be crucial for Bangladesh’s chances in the series.
Current Record: 30 matches | 1641 runs | Average: 29.30
4. Mominul Haque
One of Bangladesh’s most experienced Test cricketers, Mominul is known for his ability to play long innings. His experience will be vital in countering India’s strong spin attack.
Current Record: 64 matches | 4156 runs | Average: 37.78
5. Mushfiqur Rahim
A seasoned campaigner, Mushfiqur is Bangladesh’s backbone in the middle order. His ability to handle pressure situations and rotate the strike will be key to building partnerships.
Current Record: 91 matches | 5913 runs | Average: 38.64
6. Litton Das (wk)
Litton, an aggressive batsman and a reliable wicketkeeper, can shift gears quickly. His aggressive approach will be crucial if Bangladesh is to post competitive totals.
Current Record: 44 matches | 2678 runs | Average: 36.18
7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
An all-rounder with impressive bowling skills, Mehidy’s off-spin could prove vital on the slow, turning track in Kanpur. He can also contribute with handy lower-order runs.
Current Record: 46 matches | 177 wickets | Economy: 3.12 | Runs: 1660
8. Taijul Islam
The most likely replacement for Shakib, Taijul Islam is a seasoned left-arm spinner with a knack for picking up crucial wickets. His vast experience on turning tracks makes him a key weapon.
Current Record: 46 matches | 195 wickets | Economy: 3
9. Taskin Ahmed
Taskin offers pace and bounce, and while the conditions might not favor fast bowling, his ability to reverse swing the ball can still make him a threat.
Current Record: 15 matches | 38 wickets | Economy: 3.69
10. Hasan Mahmud
Hasan is a young fast bowler known for his accuracy and ability to extract bounce. He will need to focus on maintaining pressure from one end while spinners attack from the other.
Current Record: 4 matches | 19 wickets | Economy: 3.66
11. Nahid Rana
A relatively new face in the squad, Nahid will be looking to make an impact in the lower order with his batting and provide support to the pace attack with his medium-pace bowling.
Current Record: 4 matches | 13 wickets | Economy: 5.09
Bangladesh’s strategy for the second test
Bangladesh will rely heavily on their spin attack to challenge India’s powerful batting lineup. If Shakib is unavailable, the focus will shift to Taijul and Mehidy to exploit the slow, turning conditions in Kanpur. With a well-rounded bowling attack and a mix of experienced batters, Bangladesh will be eager to bounce back and avoid a series loss.
