As India prepares to host Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series, cricket fans are in for an exciting contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting on September 19, 2024. This series marks the return of Test cricket for both sides after a few months of limited-overs focus. It also provides crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points as both teams look to strengthen their standings.
Match Preview
India comes into the series as the top-ranked team in the WTC standings. At the same time, Bangladesh holds a respectable fourth position, buoyed by their historic 2-0 win over Pakistan earlier this year. For India, the series is about maintaining dominance on home soil and setting the tone for a long Test season that includes significant series against New Zealand and Australia.
The Test series is expected to see a battle of contrasting strengths. India boast a strong batting lineup with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the returning Rishabh Pant. On the other hand, Bangladesh have the spin prowess of Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. With Chennai’s traditionally spin-friendly conditions, the outcome may hinge on how well the teams adapt to the surface.
India’s preparation has been thorough, with the full squad assembling in Chennai for practice under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The team, fresh off a month-long break, is ready to re-establish their Test supremacy. On the other hand, Bangladesh is riding high on confidence after their recent victories and will aim to upset the hosts in conditions that could suit their spinners.
Team News
India: The hosts have named a full-strength squad, with Rohit Sharma at the helm. The biggest news is the return of Rishabh Pant, who will play his first Test since his near-fatal car accident in 2022. Jasprit Bumrah will lead India’s attack, supported by Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who impressed in the England series earlier this year, will likely hold their position in the top four, with KL Rahul expected to slot into the middle order.
Bangladesh: Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh has opted for a balanced squad. Their spin-heavy bowling lineup, featuring Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will be the key to their strategy. However, they will miss pacer Shoriful Islam due to injury. The batting department will rely on experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das.
Pitch and Weather Report
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is renowned for offering assistance to spinners from Day 3 onward, making the toss a crucial factor. Historically, the pitch here has played low and slow, demanding patience and skill from both batsmen and bowlers. Pacers might have a chance to strike early, but the surface will progressively deteriorate, bringing the spinners into the game.
The weather forecast for the first few days of the Test is largely clear, with minimal rain chances. Temperatures are expected to hover around 30°C, which could result in some challenging conditions for the players.
Probable Playing XIs
India:
– Rohit Sharma (c)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal
– Shubman Gill
– Virat Kohli
– KL Rahul
– Rishabh Pant (wk)
– Ravichandran Ashwin
– Ravindra Jadeja
– Kuldeep Yadav/Axar Patel
– Jasprit Bumrah
– Mohammed Siraj
Bangladesh:
– Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
– Mahmudul Hasan Joy
– Mominul Haque
– Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
– Litton Das
– Shakib Al Hasan
– Mehidy Hasan Miraz
– Taijul Islam
– Taskin Ahmed
– Hasan Mahmud
– Khaled Ahmed
Key Players
India:
Rohit Sharma: The Indian captain is known for his impeccable record at home. His ability to handle spinners will be crucial in Chennai’s conditions. Sharma’s leadership will also be crucial as India start their Test season.
Ravichandran Ashwin: With Chennai being his home ground, Ashwin will be expected to lead India’s spin attack. His expertise in turning tracks and ability to contribute with the bat make him an asset.
Bangladesh:
Shakib Al Hasan: As Bangladesh’s most experienced player, Shakib will be crucial both with the bat and ball. His left-arm spin could be the biggest challenge for India’s batsmen.
Litton Das: Litton has been in excellent form, as evidenced by his century against Pakistan. His ability to play spin well will be critical to Bangladesh’s hopes of putting up a competitive score.
Match Prediction
Playing in home conditions where they have been virtually unbeatable in recent years, India will start as the overwhelming favourites. The spin-friendly pitch at Chennai plays directly into India’s strengths, especially with Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar Patel available to torment the Bangladesh batsmen. While Bangladesh’s spinners, led by Shakib and Taijul Islam, could pose problems, their lack of depth in the batting lineup compared to India’s star-studded top order makes India the likely winner of the first Test.
