Full strength Indian side will be starting a bumper season to close out the 3rd WTC cycle. 5 Tests at home vs Bangladesh and New Zealand and then a 5 match series down under.
India are 1st on the WTC table, and look set to qualify for their 3rd consecutive Final. Bangladesh on the other hand, with just 1 win in the first 2 cycles, have finished last place both times so far, but look certain to finish somewhere in the middle of the pack this time around, as they are currently ranked 4th in the standings.
As a Bangladesh fan, I will say that on current form, if any team can challenge India in India, its probably Bangladesh.
This may end up being a very good series.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
Bangladesh were all over India at 144-6...but the two all-rounders Ashwin and Jadeja doing all the damage. How things can change in a session and a half! The beauty of Test cricket.
India in full control here because this pitch will be very tough to bat on come the end of day 3. Bangladesh will have to bat last and do so against the best bowling lineup in Test cricket for the past several years.
Game's not over yet, but this will be Bangladesh sternest examination yet. Its one thing to come back from 26-6 to win a Test vs Pakistan - still a phenomenal achievement to be sure - but entirely different to comeback against this India side.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
The wicket of young phenom Jaiswal was clocked at 148.6 km/h. Never thought I'd live to see a day when a young Bangladeshi tearaway would be quicker than Pakistani or Indian bowlers!
Apparently he hit 152 clicks in Pakistan a couple of weeks ago.
Just 21 yo, 6 feet 4 inches tall...bowls around 145 almost every ball. No swing, no seam...just has two weapons in his armory: express pace + bounce.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
India will win this Test easily. However, Bangladesh still has pride to play for. Still some batting to come and captain Shanto is looking class here so far.
I’ll be happy if we can get the deficit down under 200 which means we won’t have done any worse than Australia or England’s average Indian performance. That to me is a win. Obviously there’s still some degree of work to achieve that consolation prize.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
Looks like rain in the forecast for the first 3 days of the Kanpur Test. Hopefully we get minimal disruptions.
They are saying Kanpur is going to be a flatter pitch...lets see. This Indian bowling lineup doesn't need any help from the pitch but will be interesting to see how it plays.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
May very well be Shakib's final Test match here. He has made himself available for the home Tests vs South Africa pending security guarantees from the BCB/Government. The BCB president has however said that while he hopes it will be safe for Shakib, he cannot guarantee individual security for any one player.
Bangladesh being put in to bat and Zakir gone after a 23 ball duck...not sure what he was trying to do.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.