All you need to know about the India-Bangladesh Test in Hyderabad

Before India’s home season began, the solitary Test penciled in against Bangladesh did not appear to be the most challenging of games. Now, more than half-way into it, the fixture does seem to be quite an intriguing one. With New Zealand blanked, England trounced and Australia already quivering in their boots, the battle between the two Asian neighbors has gathered some prominence owing to the visitors’ familiarity with subcontinental conditions.

The Test beginning on Thursday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will be Bangladesh’s first on Indian soil. Let us take a close look at all the major factors surrounding the keenly awaited historic contest.

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#5 Onus on seniors to show the way for Bangladesh

Mushfiqur Rahim is a key component of Bangladesh’s batting fortunes

Naturally, the onus will be on seasoned names such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal to pave the way for the visitors. While the former two put on a mammoth 359-run partnership against a strong New Zealand attack in Wellington, the latter’s attacking century played a key role in Bangladesh’s maiden Test victory against England at Dhaka last year.

Rahim took blows to several parts of his body ranging from neck to thumb in the second innings in Wellington and was forced to miss the Christchurch Test. However, he showed signs of getting back to form during his half-century in the warm-up match against India ‘A’.

#4 Hyderabad pitch expected to facilitate turn and bounce

Shakib Al Hasan might enjoy bowling on the Hyderabad surface

Overall, three Test matches have taken place at this stadium with two of those resulting in innings victories for India. The other one saw Brendon McCullum blaze a double ton to help the Kiwis earn a hard-fought draw. Despite spinners being in the thick of things here, seamers have also been able to contribute with the new-ball.

Extra Cover: Bangladesh are a quality side, believes Ravichandran Ashwin

Another hard surface that could offer reasonable turn and bounce is expected. Sunny days are forecast for all five days of the Test, however, the lush green outfield could come in the way of bowlers trying to obtain reverse-swing.

#3 Nair likely to make way for Rahane

Despite scoring a triple ton in his previous Test, Nair could be left out

Having suffered a knee injury, Amit Mishra was replaced by Kuldeep Yadav in India’s 16-member squad. With Jayant Yadav proving his fitness in the domestic T20s as well as the practice match for India ‘A’, the chinaman may have to warm the bench. From head coach Anil Kumble’s subtle hints, Ajinkya Rahane is likely to replace triple-centurion Karun Nair.

An injury to his left thigh, sustained while fielding in the warm-up game, has sidelined opener Imrul Kayes. As a result, Soumya Sarkar should partner Tamim at the top of the order. Mominul Haque’s return will stabilise the batting lineup quite considerably.

Probable XI

India

Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Ishant Sharma

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (c) (wk), Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Subashis Roy/Kamrul Islam Rabbi

#2 Ashwin‘s happy hunting ground

Ashwin has three five-wicket hauls in four innings at this venue

Here are a few interesting statistics ahead of the match.

From two matches at this venue, Ashwin has picked up 18 wickets at an average of 10.50 including three five-wicket hauls.

Ashwin needs just two more scalps to become the fastest bowler in Test history to complete 250 wickets.

Having established a new national record of 18 unbeaten Tests in a row, Kohli’s troops will be eager to extend the number to 19 and eclipse Australia of 1999-2001 and England of 1959-1961.

Rahim requires 78 more runs to become the fourth Bangladesh batsman to complete 3000 Test runs after Habibul Bashar, Tamim and Shakib.

#1 Kohli and Pujara look to continue impressive run

Kohli and Pujara have headlined India’s home season with consistent contributions

The focus will be on Kohli and Pujara to continue their dominant form in the home season. From the eight completed matches against New Zealand and England, the duo amassed over 1700 runs and 12 fifty-plus scores between them. If the Indian skipper scores a ton, he would have centuries to his name against all teams that he has played against in his Test career thus far. He has not played against Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

For the visitors, Mahmudullah should be under immense pressure owing to his lackluster run in Tests. Any Test team would want their number four to register substantial scores on a regular basis. Sabbir Rahman is another batsman to keep an eye out for.