India to play first D/N Test next month: Details here
In a historic development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has accepted the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) request to play a Day-Night Test in India. As a result, the second Test between the two nations, to be played at the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata from November 22, will now be a day-night affair. Here are further details.
This would be India's first Day-Night Test ever
Notably, this would be the first instance where a Day/Night Test is being held in India. Further, among major cricketing nations, only India and Bangladesh haven't played pink-ball cricket till now.
BCCI had proposed Day-Night Test to BCB on Sunday
Earlier, on Sunday, the BCCI had proposed the same to the BCB. On the same, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury had stated that they would take up the matter and discuss it with the players and the team management before the final call. Meanwhile, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had managed to convince the Indian management on the same, prior to the proposal.
Bangladesh coach excited about pink-ball cricket
Speaking on the occasion, Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo expressed his happiness and termed it a great opportunity for the players, as it would be the first occasion these two would be playing Day-Night Test. "We haven't played a pink-ball Test and it's a great occasion at Eden Gardens and it will be a new experience for both teams," he said in a press conference.
We're really looking forward to the challenge: Domingo
"So, we're excited and it's going to be a great occasion under lights at Kolkata. We're really looking forward to the challenge. We're not going to have a lot of time to prepare with the pink ball but it's the same for India," added Domingo.
Ganguly has always backed Day-Night Tests
Meanwhile, Ganguly has, over the years, expressed his backing for the Day-Night Tests, as he believes it the way forward for the format. "They [India] are a good side, they will win Day-Night Test matches also. There is no difference in Day-Night Test matches and day Tests. It's just a different ball. They are such class players, they can win," he had said.
Eden Gardens to add another historic feather to its cap
The iconic Eden Gardens has witnessed history on a number of occasions, having hosted the 1987 ICC World Cup final and the 2016 ICC World T20 final, along with a couple of IPL finals. Consequently, it would also be adding another feather to its cap, as it would become the first venue in India to host a Day-Night Test.
Bangladesh to tour India from November 3
As of now, Bangladesh are all set to tour India for a three-match T20I series, starting November 3 to be played in Delhi, followed by Rajkot (November 7) and Nagpur (November 10). The two-Test series starts November 14 in Indore and concludes with the second from November 22. The Tests would also be a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21.
