On Wednesday 14th of December, it is the start of the 2-match Test Series between Bangladesh and India. The first Test will be held in Chattogram in Bangladesh and the series begins on the back of a historic ODI series victory for Bangladesh.
The last Test match that India played in Bangladesh was way back in 2015 which ended in a rain-affected draw in Fatullah. Typically pitches in Bangladesh are spin-friendly, so the conditions should not be too dissimilar to those India have at home.
This series shapes up to be really important for India, who currently sit in fourth in the World Test Championship table. They will be looking for a two-nil series victory against Bangladesh as they look to move up the table to try and qualify for the Final in June 2023. History states that this is likely considering India has never lost a Test match in Bangladesh.
Ahead of the match starting tomorrow India’s side is missing some of its key players, in particular, captain Rohit Sharma, fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. KL Rahul will be the stand-in captain for this Test and will have support from other veterans like Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Shakib Al Hasan will captain Bangladesh, and he will form a good spin partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Bangladesh will be without fast-bowler Taskin Ahmed, which will be a big loss for them so the pace attack will likely be Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Shoriful Islam.
Despite their injury concerns, India still looks like a very strong side. Their batting, in particular, looks stronger than Bangladesh and having never lost in Bangladesh before, we expect them to keep this record in this match and the series. There is a lot for this Indian side to play for with a spot in the World Test Championship final on the line.
BETTING TIP: India to win the match @ 1.5 with bet365
BONUS BETTING TIP: Ravichandran Ashwin to be player of the match @ 10.0 with bet365
