India-Bangladesh Kanpur Test: Day 1 called off after 35 overs
What's the story
Only 35 overs of play was possible on Day 1 of the 2nd Test between India and Bangladesh at Green Park, Kanpur. In a surprising move, India won the toss and elected to field in what appears to be a balanced pitch. The hosts produced two early breakthroughs, but Bangladesh propelled to 107/3 before incessant play washed out the final session.
First hour
Akash Deep strikes after Bangladesh openers
Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan duly negotiated the Indian seamers in the first hour under overcast conditions. However, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep also kept the run-rate down. Deep sent back Zakir (0) and Islam (24) in quick succession to put India in front. Notably, Zakir could not open his account in 24 balls.
Ashwin
Ashwin's record-breaking 420th Test wicket in Asia
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took the only other wicket that fell on Day 1. He dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored a 57-ball 31. With this, Ashwin became the second-highest wicket-taker in Asia in Test cricket. With is 420th Test wicket in Asia, Ashwin went past the legendary Anil Kumble. Ashwin is only behind Sri Lanka's Muthiah Muralidaran, who has 612 Test wickets in Asia.
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Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim return unbeaten
For Bangladesh, top-order batter Mominul Haque has looked solid so far. He returned unbeaten on 40 off 81 balls. Mushfiqur Rahim (6*) will start alongside Haque on Day 2.
Fielding
Fielding first in a home Test
As per Cricbuzz, the last instance of India opting to field first in a home Test was in 2015, the Bengaluru Test against South Africa. This was under Virat Kohli's captaincy. This is also the first time that teams have opted to field first in back-to-back Tests in India. Notably, Bangladesh put India in to bat in the Chennai Test.
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Only the second such instance
According to Cricbuzz, this is the second instance of a team electing to field first in 24 Tests in Kanpur. The only other time it happened was way back in 1964 (against England).