Kanpur Test Halted as Rain Dominates Day 1
Kanpur Test Halted as Rain Dominates Day 1: Bangladesh reached 107 for three in a rain-affected opening day of the second Test against India in Kanpur on Friday. Play was heavily disrupted by weather, with the second session washed out after rain returned, leaving the visitors in a decent but unfinished position after just over one session of play.
After overnight rain delayed the start by an hour due to a wet outfield, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, kept a tight line but couldn’t break through the Bangladesh top order early. Rohit Sharma’s decision to field first was immediately rewarded when Akash Deep struck in his first over, removing Zakir Hasan for a duck after 24 deliveries. Yashasvi Jaiswal took a sharp low catch at slip to dismiss Hasan, who looked uncomfortable throughout his stay.
Shadman Islam provided more resistance, scoring 24 runs before he too fell to Akash Deep, trapped lbw. Originally given not out, India’s successful review overturned the decision, as replays showed the ball would have struck the leg stump. Mominul Haque (40*) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (31) attempted to rebuild the innings, adding a 51-run partnership before Shanto was dismissed shortly after lunch by off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, also lbw. Shanto reviewed but the decision stood, ending his knock which included six boundaries.
Mominul remained unbeaten at the close of play, anchoring Bangladesh’s innings with seven fours to his name. India attempted two unsuccessful reviews to get Mominul out lbw, but the batter survived both challenges. Mushfiqur Rahim joined him at the crease and was on 6* when bad light initially halted play before the rain washed out the remainder of the day.
Forecasts predict more rain on Saturday, and with India leading the series 1-0 after their commanding 280-run win in the first Test, even a draw would be enough for them to extend their record to 18 consecutive home Test series victories.
