The Bangladesh cricket team is riding high on confidence after their historic 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan. This marked the first time Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in a Test match and series, boosting the morale of the team and its captain, Nazmul Hasan Shanto. With the upcoming Test series against India in sight, Bangladesh has started preparing rigorously. However, the team faces a new challenge—the SG Test ball used in India, which has already become a point of concern for players.
Litton Das Shares Concerns About SG Ball
Litton Das, Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batsman, has expressed apprehension about playing with the SG ball during the India series. In an interview, Litton highlighted how different the SG ball is compared to the Kookaburra ball, which was used in their recent series against Pakistan. While the Kookaburra is known for its consistent bounce and easier handling as it ages, the SG ball, priced at Rs 3600, presents a different challenge altogether.
Litton pointed out that the SG ball is softer when new, which makes it easier to play in the initial overs. However, as the game progresses, the ball wears out and becomes more difficult to handle. He noted that while the Kookaburra ball gets easier to play with over time, the SG ball, used in India, can become unpredictable as it gets older, making batting tougher. This difference has made the Bangladesh team wary of how the SG ball will impact their performance during the series.
Bangladesh Prepares for India Series
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has set up a training camp in Dhaka to prepare the team for the challenging conditions in India. The camp focuses on getting the players accustomed to the SG ball and ensuring they are ready for the upcoming series. Senior player Shakib Al Hasan is currently honing his bowling skills in England, but the rest of the team is training intensively in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh team is scheduled to arrive in India on 15 September, with the first Test match set to take place in Chennai on 19 September. The Indian Cricket Board has also announced a camp for the Indian players in Chennai, running from 13 to 18 September, ensuring both teams are well-prepared for the series.
Bangladesh’s Record Against India
Historically, Bangladesh has struggled in Test matches against India. In the 13 Test matches played between the two teams, Bangladesh has yet to secure a victory. India has won 11 matches, while 2 ended in draws. One player who has often troubled Bangladesh is Ravichandran Ashwin, who has taken a total of 23 wickets in just 6 matches against them. His spin bowling, combined with India’s strong batting line-up, has always been a challenge for Bangladesh.
Despite this, Bangladesh is determined to give a strong fight this time. With their recent success against Pakistan, the team hopes to carry their momentum into the India series. However, the SG ball remains a significant concern, and how they adapt to it could play a crucial role in their performance.
As both teams gear up for the series, cricket fans are eager to see whether Bangladesh can overcome their challenges and put up a competitive show against India.
