Kolkata: Preparations are in full swing at Chennai’s stadium for the first Test match between India and Bangladesh, which is set to commence on Thursday. The pitch, characterized by its red soil, is being meticulously prepared. Currently, it features a light layer of grass, but with one day left before the game, additional work is anticipated to finalize its condition.

When asked about the pitch, Bangladesh’s head coach Chandika Hathurusingha remarked that it appeared to be a “sporting wicket” at this stage. He elaborated, “It looks like a sporting wicket right now. However, given the sub-continent conditions, the pitch can change drastically from Day 1. I’m not certain when it will start to turn.”

Historically, Chennai’s pitches have been firm red soil tracks, but in 2021, there was a significant deviation from this norm. A pitch with loose black topsoil was prepared for a Test against England, who had won the first match at this venue. During that game, England’s batting lineup collapsed twice, enabling India to secure a series-leveling victory thanks to an all-round performance from local hero Ravichandran Ashwin and a century from Rohit Sharma.

The loose topsoil during that Test was so fragile that spinners took 17 out of the 20 English wickets. However, the current pitch preparation suggests a more balanced contest. Bowlers can expect bounce and carry, while spinners are likely to become influential from the third day onwards.

India is expected to field a five-bowler strategy with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj sharing the new ball duties. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are set to lead the spin attack. Depending on the final look of the pitch before the toss, India might opt for a third spinner in Kuldeep Yadav or choose an additional seamer like Akash Deep.

The anticipation is high as both teams await how the pitch will evolve and influence the game dynamics throughout the five days.