India vs Bangladesh: Cues from Kanpur – Slow turner, rain and a security threat

The pitch conditions for the upcoming Test match between India and Bangladesh at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium will be finalized today. Security measures are tight, with 1,000 police officers assigned to the area. There is also a strong possibility of rain during the match.Unlike the red soil pitch of Chennai, the black clay surface in Kanpur is expected to offer different playing conditions, with less bounce. The pitch curator has assured that there will be something for everyone.

"We have prepared two pitches, and a final decision will be made the day before the match," said Shiv Kumar, the curator of Green Park Stadium. "The pitch will have a similar feel to the Chennai match, and there will be something for all players. The first two sessions will see some bounce, and the first two days will be batting-friendly, while the last three days will favor spinners."

Jaggi, a 65-year-old ground staff member, proudly stated, "I have been preparing pitches here for the last 41 years. Spinners will be in action from the third day."

The second Test match is scheduled from September 27 to October 1 at Green Park Stadium. However, weather forecasts are concerning cricket fans, with heavy rain expected on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, which could disrupt the match. Although rain is expected to decrease over the following two days, cloudy skies may persist.

The Hindu Mahasabha has demanded the cancellation of the Kanpur Test in protest against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, threatening to disrupt the match if it proceeds. Nevertheless, the match is set to go ahead as scheduled, with the Uttar Pradesh administration providing three layers of security to ensure smooth arrangements for the Bangladesh team. Both teams will be kept within equal security perimeters.

India won the first Test in Chennai by 280 runs, but the contest in Kanpur could prove to be more challenging.