India vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Kolkata: Preview, likely XIs, prediction

History is set to be made in Kolkata on Friday, November 22 when India take on Bangladesh in the second and final Test of the series. Why? Because it’s a day-night Test, a first for both teams. There is plenty of uncertainty – but of the exciting kind – surrounding the match, and for all the one-sidedness of the first Test, anything could happen in the second.

How will the pink ball behave? Who will cope with it better? Who will make the most of the increased swing movement? These are just some of the questions that will be answered over the next five days. Chances are, however, India will come out tops, simply given the gulf in class between the two sides.

India lorded over Bangladesh in the first Test, securing an innings victory after Mayank Agarwal and Mohammed Shami starred in what was a team performance. As unpredictable as the pink ball will be to the batsmen, there is a chance it’ll play to strengths of Shami in Kolkata. The Eden Gardens is easily Shami’s favourite Test venue in the world – he has 21 wickets there, comfortably more than he has taken at any other single venue.

With the pink ball having the properties that it does, there will increased movement, and Shami is dangerous as it is. Bangladesh will hope to see him off, although Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma are no pushovers themselves.

Despite the novel nature of the Test, everything still points to an India victory. It’ll be interesting to see how it pans out.

Head to head

After their victory in Indore, India have won eight of the 10 Tests these sides have played. The two other matches were both drawn. However, this will be the first pink-ball Test for both sides, and whether that changes anything in the rivalry remains to be seen.

Key players

Mohammed Shami (India): Shami is dangerous as it is with the red ball. Give him a pink ball, with its increased movement and pronounced seam, and there’s no telling what havoc he’ll cause in the Bangladesh line-up. Keep a close on eye on him.

Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh): These are not easy times for Bangladesh. They don’t have Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, their deficiencies were laid out for all to see in Indore, and they are crying out for leadership. Mushfiqur, the veteran, was one of the few Bangladesh batsmen who impressed in Indore, scoring 43 and 64. More is expected.

Likely XIs

India: Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami

Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque (c), Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Liton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed, Ebadat Hossain

Prediction

India’s batsmen might struggle, but their pacers will shine with the pink ball. Expect another win.