IND vs BAN: Kanpur's black-soil pitch expected to offer lower bounce for 2nd Test

Barring the subdued first two sessions on Day 1 of the Chennai Test, the whole of the Test was a run fest when India came out to bat against Bangladesh. It was evident when India provided the visitors with an unassailable target of 515 runs. As the teams are bracing for the second Test in Kanpur, the Green Park Stadium will welcome them with a black soil pitch.

The Stadium will host its first international game since 2021 and the last game saw New Zealand drawing the game against India. Ahead of the second Test starting on September 27, the pitch might offer lower bounce, and a flat rack, with the deck getting slower and slower as the match progresses. 

Also Read: Basit Ali on pitch's importance after India's Test win over Bangladesh

India have stuck to their squad from the previous game but both teams might make changes to their playing XIs. In Chennai, the strip was of red soil which was imported from Mumbai. Subsequently, there was bounce and nominal assistance for spinners in the first three days. Both teams had three pacers in their pantheon which might change owing to Kanpur conditions.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium deck seemed a fine preparation for the Indian team as the bounce was dominant. Looking at Kanpur’s potential pitch turnaround, the management might be assessing an all-round team going into the New Zealand series after the Bangladesh one.

Ahead of the Kanpur Test, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has injured his index finger and is doubtful for the game. He might be replaced by off-spinner Nayeem Hasan.