Bangladesh opt to bowl as play begins after extended rain delay

Bangladesh have won the toss in Rawalpindi and are bowling first on a pitch tailored for fast bowling. 

Proceedings began after a long delay caused by a wet spot in the outfield, which concerned the umpires. The umpires took an early lunch at 12 PM (12:30 IST), but the spot still required two and a half hours more to dry enough for play to start.

Now, 48 overs will be bowled in the day, and the umpires will call for a tea break at 4:50 PM IST. The last session will begin at 5:10 PM and continue until 6:30 PM. Further, play can be extended for another 30 minutes to complete the overs. 

The rain had stopped a few hours earlier, and it was bright and hot in Rawalpindi. The pitch was getting baked under the sun. This could impact the help available for the pacers.

This Test series is crucial for both the hosts and the visitors, as the race to the finish line of this cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) has begun for every team. 

Pakistan have already released their playing XI, and it will be a pace-friendly track as they have opted for an all-pace bowling attack in this Test. Moreover, overnight rains have occurred in Rawalpindi, ensuring that the green tinge on the pitch and the dampness won't go away soon. 

Record in Rawalpindi (Tests only)

Team batting first: 3

Team batting second: 6

The toss win-match win % at Pindi is 53.8. 

What did the captains say

Najmul Hossain Shanto

"The wicket has moisture, which will help our seam bowlers. We have a very good combination of seam bowlers and all-rounders, and we had a very good preparation. How we play this Test match is very important. I'm very lucky and very thankful to our cricket board. I'm enjoying the captaincy. We have six batters, two all-rounders, and three seamers."

Shan Masood

"We were going to bowl first as well. We had never played in Pindi in August before. It has rained as well, but if we bat well towards the end of the game with the cracks, it will be tough to bat. Test cricket is about picking 20 wickets, and when we went to Australia, that was one of our targets. Our bowlers did well there, and it's about continuing that momentum with 7 of 9 Tests at home, and we would like to do that. We have been very clear, and we have communicated with players. It removes the uncertainty a bit. It's a proud moment and privilege, and nothing is guaranteed in sports, but it's an exciting opportunity to push for a place in the WTC final."

Playing XIs

Pakistan had already announced their playing XI before the test, and, as said before, they have opted for an all-pace attack. 

Bangladesh are going with three seamers. No Taijul Islam. Shakib and Mehidy to bear the spin responsibilities. 

Bangladesh XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto ©, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

Pitch Report

Here’s Bazid Khan’s pitch report:

“There will be plenty of moisture to work with. There might be some help for the spinners as well. Generally, the fast bowlers will have help because of all the moisture in the first session, and you don't want to waste the new ball.”

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