On a rain-affected first day of the Kanpur Test between India and Bangladesh on September 27, Mominul Haque emerged as a key player for the visitors, scoring an unbeaten 40 runs off 81 balls. Despite the challenging conditions, Bangladesh concluded the day at 107/3 in 35 overs, with play being called off early due to persistent rain and poor visibility. Akash Deep was the standout performer for India, claiming two crucial wickets that put Bangladesh under significant pressure early in their innings.
After winning the toss, India opted to field first, marking the first time in 60 years that this decision had been made at the Green Park Stadium. This tactical choice reflected the confidence the team had in their bowling lineup. Sticking to their winning strategy from the previous Test in Chennai, the Indian team selected three fast bowlers and two spinners, deliberately choosing not to include either Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel, despite their impressive credentials. The pitch at Kanpur proved to be challenging, with both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj testing the Bangladesh openers with their pace and movement, causing early difficulties for the visiting batsmen.
Initially, Bangladesh struggled to find their rhythm, and the pressure from the Indian bowlers was palpable. The breakthrough came when Zakir Hasan fell for a duck off just 24 balls, courtesy of a stunning catch taken by Yashasvi Jaiswal off Akash Deep’s bowling. This wicket sent a strong message to the Bangladesh batting lineup about the intensity and skill level of the Indian bowlers. Akash's second wicket came soon after, with Shadman Islam being dismissed after a lengthy appeal that convinced captain Rohit Sharma to take the catch. These early breakthroughs gave India an upper hand in the match, allowing them to dictate the pace and tone of the game.
Despite the initial setbacks, Bangladesh found some resistance through Najimul Shanto and Mominul Haque, who formed a vital partnership of 51 runs to stabilize the innings before the lunch break. This partnership was crucial as it provided Bangladesh with some momentum and hope after the early losses. However, rain soon interrupted the play, leading to a lengthy delay as the players left the field. The persistent rain proved to be a significant disruption, delaying the resumption of play for an extended period. When the match finally resumed, R Ashwin made a significant impact by ending Shanto's innings with a well-placed delivery, showcasing his skill and experience.
Despite the disruptions and the relentless weather conditions, Mominul continued to showcase his batting prowess with some exquisite strokes, timing the ball beautifully and demonstrating an ability to counter the Indian bowlers effectively. Yet, as the light continued to deteriorate, the umpires had no choice but to call off play due to poor visibility, and stumps were declared early, much to the disappointment of the players and fans alike.
Akash Deep’s performance in this match continues to reinforce his potential, drawing comparisons to the seasoned Mohammed Shami with his disciplined bowling style and ability to maintain pressure on the batsmen. In the first Test in Chennai, Akash's outstanding spell had already dismantled Bangladesh’s top order, leading to their collapse in the first innings. His calm demeanor and focused mindset were evident when he spoke to the media ahead of the match, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment rather than worrying about future opportunities, such as a potential tour to Australia.Â
"When we play at this level, we should not get confused about the style I played at the domestic level, like in the Ranji Trophy. Things are different here," Akash stated during the press conference. "I don't put too much pressure on myself thinking about the next steps, like going to Australia. I live in the present and focus on my performance." His approach reflects a mature understanding of the game and the challenges that come with it.
While Akash remains humble and grounded, his consistent performances throughout the series make a strong case for selection for the upcoming tour down under. His exceptional skill set, along with his strategic mindset, suggests that his place on the flight to Australia may be all but assured, given his current form and unwavering dedication to improving and contributing to the Indian team's success. As the Kanpur Test progresses, all eyes will be on both Akash Deep and Mominul Haque as they aim to lead their respective teams through a challenging match defined by the elements and the fierce competition on the field.
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