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IND Vs BAN, 2nd Test: How Will Bumrah's Effectiveness Vary On Black Soil Compared To Red Soil?

Bumrah was at his best during the Chennai Test [PTI] Bumrah was at his best during the Chennai Test [PTI]

India are set to take on Bangladesh in the second Test match at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on September 27. Team India already have a 1-0 lead in the series and will be looking for a whitewash when the two teams collide in Kanpur.

In Test matches, pitches make a huge difference in the outcome of the matches. In Australia, you get fast and bouncy pitches, in England, the ball tends to swing, and in sub-continent conditions, the ball grips, offering plenty of turn for the spinners.

A similar difference will be seen in the second Test when India take on Bangladesh. The first Test match in Chennai was played on a red soil surface, while reports have emerged that the Kanpur Test will witness Black soil being offered.

India's premium fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc on a red soil surface in Chennai, picking up 5-wickets in the game. But the big question is, can he deliver the goods on a black soil pitch as well? For that to answer, we need to understand the difference betwen black and red soil surfaces.

Difference between Red and Black soil surface

Red soil pitches are known for drying quickly and developing cracks. It provides initial bounce and seam movement, as witnessed in the Chennai Test. Bangladesh seamer, Hasan Mahmud, took advantage of the situation and grabbed a 5-wicket haul in the first innings.

However, that initial movement slows down and the pitch tends to offer turn for the spinners, as witnessed by how R Ashwin did the damage in the second innings.

Now, black soil behaves differently. Unlike a red soil surface, black soil absorbs more water, and there is unpredictable bounce from the start. The surface sometimes tend to stay slow and low, and becomes a nightmare for the batting team, who sometime fail to figure out the bounce.

How Bumrah can be effective on black soil surface at Kanpur?

 Since the surface doesn't offer variable bounce and seam movement, Bumrah might not be effective in the first innings. However, he could be a potent weapon in the second innings, when cracks start to open up and he uses his variations - cutters and slower balls.

Red soil naturally fits in perfect for Bumrah's style of play, but a black soil pitch will test Bumrah's brialliant skills which he has under his sleeves.