Bangladesh Coach Chandika Hathurusingha openly exposes Chennai Pitch Type ahead of India Test

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha is clueless about the Chepauk pitch for the first Test of the two-match series against Team India.

Chandika Hathurusingha acknowledged that conditions in the subcontinent can change quickly but added that it looked like a "sporting wicket."

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team is set to begin their red-ball season with the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

The first Test match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium from Thursday, September 19. India vs Bangladesh Test series is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) fixtures.

The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium traditionally favors spinners, but the BCCI has opted for a red-soil pitch for the upcoming Test match.

BCCI made this decision to counter Bangladesh's spin bowlers. Pacers from both teams would get a good bounce and carry from the red-soil track.

Looks Like A Sporting Wicket At This Stage - Chandika Hathurusingha

Speaking ahead of the series opener, Chandika Hathurusingha said that the Chepauk pitch appears to be a sporting wicket. However, Hathurusingha expressed uncertainty about when the pitch will become helpful to spinners.

"It looks like a sporting wicket at this stage. But, judging by the sub-continent conditions, it can change right from Day 1. Not sure when it is going to start turning, though," the Bangladesh head coach said ahead of the series opener.

Meanwhile, a veteran curator said that Chennai's recent extreme heat might affect the pitch. This change might favor spinners as the game progresses, and pitch deterioration could occur quickly.

“It’s really hot here in Chennai for the last couple of weeks, with the temperature touching late 30s. Even though I heard that the pitch is sufficiently getting watered, the extreme heat could lead to its disintegration as the match progresses."

"It will bring the spinners into action as the match moves on. So, that could be the reason the batsmen were preparing for the turning ball,” a veteran curator told PTI.

Bangladesh is coming off a historic 2-0 Test series win over Pakistan. Meanwhile, India is leading the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) table. The home team is favored to win the upcoming series against Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh is expected to challenge the Rohit Sharma-led side.

We Are Encouraged By Playing The Best Team - Chandika Hathurusingha

Chandika Hathurusingha said that he is excited about facing India, the best team in the world. The Bangladesh head coach also stated that playing against the best team provides a chance to see where they stand.

"We are encouraged by playing the best team in the world, and coming to India and playing against them is the best challenge you get nowadays. Playing against the best always gives you the perception of where you stand, and as sportspersons, we always look forward to it," said Hathurusingha.

Shakib Al Hasan had a decent performance during the series against Pakistan. Mushfiqur Rahim was the top run-scorer, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the leading wicket-taker in Pakistan. After their Test series against India, Bangladesh will play three T20Is starting on October 6.

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