The Indian team are likely to go with three pacers against Bangladesh in the first Test that starts on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The Indian players have practiced on the red soil pitch for two days before shifting on a deck made of black soil. Notably, the first Test is likely to be played on the red-soil track which is expected to assist the pacers.

With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj certain to be in the playing XI, the team management will have to decide on whether they opt for a third pacer in Akash Deep or Yash Dayal, or opt for a third spinner in Kuldeep Yadav.

While Akash Deep has played just a single Test match, Dayal will be making his debut in national colours if selected. The nature of the pitch, predominantly favouring the quicker bowlers, will force the Indian management to pick the eleven for the opening Test carefully.

Fielding three pacers will also be more realistic for the Indian team that may align with India’s strategy of giving a much look-in for their fast bowlers ahead of their gruelling tour to Australia, starting in November this year. “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.