Najmul Hossain Shanto expresses his frustration as rain mars India-Bangladesh Kanpur Test

Shanto expresses his frustration as rain mars India-Bangladesh Kanpur Test
28 Sep 2024

The second day of the ongoing Test match between India and Bangladesh at Green Park, Kanpur, was disrupted due to persistent rain.

The match is currently 35 overs in, with not a single delivery bowled on Saturday.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted that it is frustrating to be sitting on the sidelines.

Here's more.

Rain delays and pitch conditions impact match
Match impact

The rain kicked off bright and early, sticking around till just after 10am with only a few light drizzles afterward.

Even though the rain took a break for a good while, they didn't take the covers off the outfield. Super Soppers were spotted making rounds to soak up any remaining water.

Bangladesh's captain, Shanto, didn't hold back his frustration over the weather-related delays.

Shanto expresses frustration over rain delays
Captain's perspective

Shanto didn't mince words about his frustration over the rain delays, saying, "As a player, it's very frustrating (the rain)."

"The game started after a lot of difficulties (on Friday), then we got to play for a while and then it got stopped again. There was no play today. So, overall it's really frustrating as a player. But we have nothing to do with it. It's not in our control. But it would feel better if there was some play."

Shanto comments on pitch conditions and future challenges
Pitch analysis

Despite the weather-related hiccups, Bangladesh managed to put up 107 for 3 when play was possible on Friday.

Shanto, who put up a half-century stand with Mominul Haque before being dismissed by R Ashwin on 31, said that the surface was easy to bat on.

However, he added that the bigger challenge was playing through numerous rain breaks.

Shanto's take on India's bowling performance
Bowling review

Shanto also weighed in on how India bowled.

He pointed out that while Jasprit Bumrah was quite unlucky not to get a wicket in his first spell, Mohammed Siraj had a tough time with his lengths on a pitch that didn't have much pace.

But Akash Deep made his mark by striking twice from around the wicket in the morning session.

Shanto reflects on Bangladesh's performance and future prospects
Game balance

Shanto reckons Bangladesh lost one more wicket than they should have, but it doesn't mean they're in a bad spot.

He feels if they can string together two solid partnerships, they could be sitting pretty.

However, he did point out that the pitch conditions for days three and four are a bit of a mystery, thanks to the lack of sunlight.

Still, he's keeping his fingers crossed for a good outcome.