IND vs BAN: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan in focus as Bangladesh prepare to unleash spin attack in slow and turning Chepauk

IND vs BAN: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan in focus (AFP Photo)

As Bangladesh prepare to face India in the first Test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), all eyes will be on their spin quartet of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan. Chepauk has a well-earned reputation as a spinner’s paradise, and Bangladesh’s spinners will be crucial to their strategy against a formidable Indian batting lineup.

The Chepauk pitch has long favoured spin, particularly as matches progress. In the 35 Test matches held at this venue, spinners have taken 608 of the 1029 wickets, accounting for a staggering 59.09 per cent of total dismissals. The slow, turning nature of the surface helps spinners generate sharp turn and unpredictable bounce, especially from Day 3 onward. This historical trend will likely benefit Bangladesh’s spin-heavy attack as they seek to contain India’s batters and control the pace of the match.

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As recently as 2021, England’s unheralded spin duo of Jack Leach and Dom Bess had ambushed India in Chennai, taking 11 wickets between them to help their team to a thumping 227-run win. The success enjoyed by the inexperienced Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann when Australia last toured – Nathan Lyon was the only senior spinner – would also encourage Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Spin Attack

While none of Bangladesh’s spinners have extensive experience at Chepauk, their familiarity with subcontinental conditions and their performances against India make them a serious threat.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz

An off-spinner known for his accuracy, Mehidy has taken 14 wickets in five Tests against India, at an average of 45.71 (2017-2022). He is particularly effective at maintaining pressure, and his ability to bowl long spells could prove invaluable on a turning track like Chepauk.

Shakib Al Hasan

The veteran all-rounder and left-arm orthodox spinner has been Bangladesh’s most successful bowler against India, with 21 wickets in eight Tests, averaging 37.95. With best figures of 7/174 against India and the ability to use flight and variation, he could trouble India’s right-hand batters.

Taijul Islam

A slow left-arm spinner, Taijul has taken 12 wickets in six Tests against India at an average of 63.50. Although his record against India is not the strongest, his style is suited to grinding down batsmen on slower tracks, and Chepauk’s turn could help him create problems for India’s middle order.

Nayeem Hasan

The least experienced of the quartet, Nayeem has not played a single Test match against India but his height allows him to generate extra bounce, which could be an asset on a deteriorating Chepauk surface. Though relatively untested in such conditions, he remains a promising option for Bangladesh.

India’s batting lineup, bolstered by the return of Virat Kohli, will test Bangladesh’s spinners to their limits. However, the Chepauk surface, historically suited to spinners, could prove to be the great equaliser. As the pitch wears down, Bangladesh’s spin attack will be key to breaking through India’s defences, particularly during the latter stages of the match.

While the quartet may lack experience at this venue, the conditions offer a favourable platform for them to shine. Bangladesh’s success will depend on how effectively their slow bowlers adapt to the pitch and how well they can control India’s batting with accuracy and patience.

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