BAN vs IND, 1st Test: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

Cheteshwar Pujara with Rahul Dravid [Source: AP]

After claiming the three-match ODI series by 2-1, hosts Bangladesh are set to lock horns with India in the first Test of the two-match series starting Wednesday. This will be the first Test series between the two teams after 2019. 

As we know, Bangladesh have evolved their white-ball game to a great extent in recent years. Their growth from rookie to maestro, particularly in the ODIs, has been phenomenal, to say the least. However, unfortunately, they are yet to find the cheat code to succeed in the purest format, often failing to deliver against quality Test teams. Although the Tigers began the year with a bang by upsetting New Zealand in their backyard, they suffered setbacks throughout the rest of the year. More importantly, they, unlike India, have failed to showcase their prowess on home soil and would, therefore, like to execute the same in this series. 

On the other hand, India have blown hot and cold in Tests this year. Although they had a disastrous start, losing two consecutive Tests in South Africa, they came back remarkably, securing a two-nil whitewash over Sri Lanka on home soil. However, the biggest challenge for the Indians will be the absence of their key players, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja, who have been sidelined due to injury. However, the likes of Saurabh Kumar and Abhimanyu Easwaran have vast experience in red-ball cricket and are, therefore, pretty much capable of making a mark in the series. 

Match Details

Date and Time: December 14, 9.00 AM IST
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: With moisture around, the surface at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chattogram will have some assistance for the fast bowlers early on. However, it will behave like a batters' paradise with the day's progression. The spinners will come into play in the latter days. So, the obvious call for the toss-winner will be to bat first. 

Predicted XIs

Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo has confirmed that young batter Zakir Hasan will open in this match. So, it will be a battle between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque for the number three spot, which the former is likely to win. 

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan (WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Taijul Islam

India: KL Rahul (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keepers: Mushfiqur Rahim
Batters: Cheteshwar Pujara, Litton Das, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
All-Rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Ebadot Hossain

Captain: Ravichandran Ashwin
Vice-Captain: Shakib Al Hasan

Prediction

Considering the strengths of both teams, we reckon India will start as the firm favourites to win this match. So, it will be really tough for the Tigers to upset the mighty Indians. 

Also Read: Australia name 15-member squad for ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023