Dhaka — Touring Bangladesh and hosts India are all set for a novel experience in the 2nd Test of their upcoming 2-Test series, to be played in Kolkata’s famous Eden Gardens stadium from November 22 – it will be the first day-night Test for both sides, played with the pink cricket ball.
None of the players from either side has played official pink-ball cricket before, at least not at international level, which might create a problem for them.
But Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes believes playing with the pink ball will not be a problem, as both the teams are playing with the same balls.
Bangladesh hosted a day night first-class match in the final of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) in 2013. But, most of the players of the current national team did not take part in that game. Imrul also missed the match as his team failed to qualify for the final.
“I did not play any (day-night) match with the pink balls before. So, it was fun to practice with this sort balls here. I think the pink balls swing more than traditional white or red balls. This is the difference,” Imrul told the media on Tuesday.
Like Bangladesh, most of the Indian players have never played a day-night first-class match before. According to Imrul, this situation made things the same for both the teams.
“Neither team played a day-night Test before. So, thing are the same for both teams. I don’t think it will create any problem for us to adapt with the pink balls. I am rather excited to play a Test with pink balls. I believe the Indian players are also excited to be part of the history,” Imrul added.
Imrul Kayes and the other members of Bangladesh Test squad will fly for India on November 8. The first Test of the two-match series will take place in Indore from November 14.UNB
