1st Test, India vs Bangladesh: Preview, Dream11 and more
What's the story
The Indian cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in the first Test, starting Thursday in Indore. Team India has held a 100% record in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship after beating West Indies and South Africa respectively. Now it's another test against neighbors Bangladesh in a two-match series. Here is the complete match preview.
Key details
Venue, timing, TV listing and head-to-head
The match is set to be held at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. It is scheduled for a 9:30 AM IST start and will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. One can also stream it on Hotstar. The two sides have met each other on nine occasions in Test cricket. India have a 7-0 tally with two games being drawn.
Team India
Team India could continue with a settled line-up
Virat Kohli's side looks settled and there will not be much tinkering with the line-up. The skipper could be in favor of five-bowler strategy. That could see three pacers and two spinners on offer. With Ravindra Jadeja doing well with the bat, this gives Kohli the cushion. India will look up to Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in batting. They were superb against SA.
Information
Weather prediction and pitch report
One expects the weather to be sunny all day through. One could possibly see plenty of runs being scored at this venue. A sporting wicket could be on offer with assistance for pacers as well. This is just the second Test to be played here.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh will be out to provide stiff resistance
Bangladesh need to be wise with their team selection. The bowling combination, in particular, will have to be right. A lot is riding on spin-bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan. Mustafizur Rahman leads the line in the pace department. It will be a tricky test for skipper Mominul Haque. He and rest of the senior batsmen will find it difficult against India's famed bowling unit.
Dream11
Dream11: Rohit and Mehidy get the leadership nods
We go in with a solid batting line-up on offer. Rohit (captain) bats atop alongside Haque. Kohli is well supported by Rahane and Mushfiqur Rahim in the middle order. Wriddhiman Saha is the wicket-keeper batsman at number six. Mehidy (vice-captain) and R Ashwin are the two spin-bowling all-rounders. Mustafizur and Umesh Yadav handle the pace department. Taijul Islam fills in as another spinner.