Black Soil Pitch with Low Bounce to be Used for Kanpur Test

The second Test of the India-Bangladesh series will be held on a black soil pitch in Kanpur, contrasting with the red soil used in Chennai. The pitch is expected to offer lower bounce and less carry, favoring spinners. The BCCI has opted for this type of surface to ensure more assistance for spin bowlers, as the bounce is expected to decrease as the match progresses. The Test is scheduled to begin this Friday.

In Chennai, the pitch featured red soil and a grass covering, providing advantages for fast bowlers, especially with the new ball. Regular bounce on that pitch allowed both teams to field three pace bowlers and two spinners. However, the Kanpur pitch will be quite different, anticipated to be more conducive to spin, which will likely see an additional spinner included in both teams' lineups.

Green Park last hosted a Test match in 2021, where New Zealand managed to draw the game on the final day. After a long hiatus, the second and final Test of the India-Bangladesh series will commence on September 27. India has the chance to extend its home Test series winning streak to 18 matches. In the last Test played in Kanpur against New Zealand, India fielded a team consisting of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar.

As the match progresses, the pitch in Kanpur is expected to slow down due to the characteristics of the black soil. It is projected to have a flat nature with reduced bounce, differing from the Chennai pitch where both teams’ pace and spin bowlers benefitted from good bounce. In the second innings in Chennai, Ashwin and Jadeja combined to take nine wickets against Bangladesh.

Given the slow nature of the Kanpur pitch, both teams may consider changes to their best XI. One of the third pacers could be replaced by a third spinner. Either Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel may get an opportunity for India. The hosts have not made any changes to the squad that won the first Test by a significant margin, though Jasprit Bumrah may not be seen in Kanpur.

Concerns surround Shakib Al Hasan's fitness after he suffered a finger injury while batting on the fourth day in Chennai. While Shakib plays as an all-rounder, Bangladesh may consider including left-arm spinner Taijul Islam in place of Naheed Rana. The visiting team also has off-spinner Naim Hasan in their squad, who could get a chance if Shakib is ultimately ruled out.