Bangladesh start to prepare for first Test against India with intense session

PTI, Chennai:  Young pacer Nahid Rana was in focus as Bangladesh started their preparations for the two-Test series against India from September 19 with an intense practice session, here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday. Buoyed by their historic 2-0 win in away series over Pakistan, the Tigers are high on confidence but world No 2 India will pose the sternest test for Najmul Hossain Shanto's side. Bangladesh's grit and resilience were at their prime in Pakistan but they face a test of character here since no other team has been as formidable as India while playing at home, having won 17 consecutive Test series since 2012.

In 13 Tests so far against India, Bangladesh have lost 11 while two have ended in draws. Having arrived here on Sunday, Bangladesh hit the ground running and their batters displayed aggressive intent against net bowlers and throwdown specialists. The likes of Litton Das, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam looked to get their footwork going while also hitting some crisp straight drives.

Mush f iqur Rahim, whose monumental 191 in the opening Test at Rawalpindi scripted Bangladesh's first-ever Test win over Pakistan, also had a hit in the nets. Spinners will undoubtedly have a huge role to play in the two-Test affair, which was evident the way Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan went about earnestly bowling their hearts out.