India-Bangladesh Test: Lower Bounce Expected on Kanpur Pitch

The second Test between India and Bangladesh will be played on a black-soil pitch at Green Park, Kanpur, starting September 27th. This pitch is expected to be significantly different from the one used in Chennai for the first Test.

Lower Bounce and Slower Surface in Kanpur

• Unlike the Chennai pitch with its consistent bounce, the Kanpur surface is likely to be flatter with lower bounce.
• This is because the Kanpur pitch is made from black soil, which offers less bounce and turn compared to red soil.
• The pitch is also expected to slow down as the match progresses.

Impact on Team Selection

• The change in pitch conditions might lead both teams to alter their playing XIs.
• India might consider playing three spinners instead of three pacers, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel vying for the additional spinner’s slot.
• Bangladesh may also bring in a third spinner, Taijul Islam, potentially replacing left-arm spinner Nahid Rana.

Past Encounters in Kanpur

• The last Test played at Kanpur was a draw between India and New Zealand in 2021.
• India had also played three spinners in that match – Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar Patel.
• The 2016 Test at Kanpur, again between India and New Zealand, was a comfortable win for India.

Potential for High Scores

• The lack of significant bounce and turn in the Kanpur pitch might favor batsmen.
• This could lead to high scores in the second Test, unlike the Chennai match where spinners played a bigger role.