India vs Bangladesh: Kanpur pitch to favor both pace, spin
What's the story
The 2nd Test between India and Bangladesh at Kanpur's Green Park is set to offer a balanced playing field for both pacers and spinners. The curator of the venue, Shiv Kumar, has revealed that the pitch will initially favor seamers but will gradually become more suitable for spin bowling as the match progresses. This strategic design aims to ensure a competitive five-day contest.
Pitch dynamics
Pitch to assist pacers in initial stages
Kumar has stated that the pitch will be particularly beneficial for fast bowlers in the first two sessions, offering both bounce and movement. As the match advances, spinners are expected to gain an upper hand from Day 3 onward due to surface deterioration. He likened this dynamic to a "Chennai match feeling," where conditions favor different types of bowlers at various stages of the game.
Pitch preparation
Two different pitches prepared for 2nd Test
The curators at Kanpur have reportedly prepared two distinct pitches for the upcoming Test. One is a traditional black soil pitch known to favor spinners as the game progresses, while the other is similar to Chennai's pitch where the ball moved quickly during initial days. The final decision on which pitch to use will be made by Indian team management, particularly captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Soil characteristics
Green Park's unique soil and sustainability efforts
Green Park is known for its distinctive black soil, sourced from Kali Mitti village near Unnao. This soil type has been traditionally associated with aiding spin bowling in later stages of matches. A Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) official confirmed that the Indian Institute of Technology tests its soil, which has been used for years due to its unique properties.
Sustainability measures
UPCA's eco-friendly initiatives and weather conditions
In a bid to promote sustainability, the UPCA has announced plans to replace plastic plates with environmentally friendly paper ones during matches. Stadium director Sanjay Kapur expressed their commitment toward making this a 'green' match. Meanwhile, both teams have arrived in Kanpur where hot and humid conditions are anticipated. The pitch has been regularly watered and covered to maintain its balance amid forecasts of potential rain on the second and third days.