Heavy downpour in Kanpur on Saturday has forced the cancellation of the first two sessions of the second day of the ongoing second Test between India and Bangladesh.
Covers had been laid at Green Park Stadium since morning and not even an effort was made to remove them once as rain plays hide and side with dark clouds over the sky making it worst for the resumption of play. The super soppers are in the middle to remove water from the covers as rain has stopped for now.
As yet, no official word from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on resumption of play and inspection as the forecast does not hint at any improvement during the day.
Both teams and match officials have gone back to their hotel, and one must say chances are pretty slim for any action in the day.
Bangladesh left at 107/3 in 35 overs of the rain-marred opening day, after India captain Rohit Sharma had won the toss and decided to bat first.
India capitalized on seam-friendly conditions early on but the visitors slowly clawed their way back into the contest with some promising cricket from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque after a delayed start.
It soon paid dividends as Rohit's decision to bowl first was rewarded immediately, as pacer Akash Deep continued to be on song, striking twice in his first spell, leaving Bangladesh at 33/2. Zakir Hasan fell for a duck, undone by a beautiful delivery from Akash that angled in and shaped away late, edging to Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully for a stunning low catch. Shadnam Islam quickly followed, caught lbw by Akash in a decision that was originally given not out but overturned after review, courtesy of Rohit's smart use of DRS.
The Bangladesh team were reeling at 78/2 at lunch, and their hopes for recovery rested on their captain Shanto and the experienced Mominul Haque. Both batters weathered the Indian pace attack, with Mominul going about his business gradually finding rhythm and showcasing some lovely stroke play.
Shanto, on the other hand, showed good technique to scratch out runs off a pitch that seemed to flatten out as the day progressed.
But soon, Ravichandran Ashwin worked his magic. The ace off-spinner finally broke Shanto's resistance with a nice arm-ball, tempting the Bangladeshi skipper into playing for the turn before trapping him lbw.
Shanto was then given the axe for 31, when he appeared to have settled to anchor the innings. It was a bit of a setback to Bangladesh's chances when Mushfiqur Rahim had to steady the ship with Mominul. The Bangladesh team got some ray of hope in the final session in the afternoon with Mominul playing aggressive shots and two boundaries to relieve the pressure.
Early stoppage was India's relief as the Bangladeshi middle order, led by Mominul, was starting to assert itself. Mominul was unbeaten on 40, with Mushfiqur at the other end.
