Kanpur was once the centre of trade during the industrial revolution. The Ganges flows through these parts and the railways helped it become the centre of trade. Members of the Indian contingent of journalists say it was called the 'Manchester of the East', simply because of the abundance of textile industries.

It was an interesting setting for the first Bangladesh press conference at the Green Park Kanpur stadium press conference room today, which was attended by head coach Chandika Hathurusingha ahead of the second Test in Kanpur.

India, leading the World Test Championship standings, played their first Test match in more than six months, but there was no sign of rust as they thumped Bangladesh in a little over three days.

New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel took 6-90 to dismiss Sri Lanka for 309 on day four of the first Test on Sunday with the visitors chasing 275 to win in Galle.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the opening Test against India in Chennai yesterday, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was asked whether their historic 2-0 away series victory against Pakistan recently has added some pressure on the team as part of heightened expectations from the fans and experts.

India are unbeaten in home Test series since 2013, having won 17 straight Test series at home -- a world record -- drawing seven Tests, losing four and winning a staggering 40 home Tests in this period.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has told the media that his side would look to win both Test matches against India as the team left for Chennai this afternoon.

The venue, which is hosting its first Test, has come under scrutiny for lacking world-class facilities and basic drainage.

The opening day of the Test at Afghanistan's adopted home ground at Greater Noida was called off on Monday because of a wet outfield. Despite a sunny morning, the outfield remains damp following 10 days of rain.

Nahid Rana took giant strides yesterday in showcasing he is the 'X-factor' in that Bangladesh pace battery. His raw pace hurt Pakistan, but in the manner in which he dismantled the hosts showed there was a matured head on his shoulders.

England's Joe Root said he had lost none of his desire to score runs for his country and get better as a player after compiling his 34th Test century on Saturday at Lord's in the second test against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh should keep their focus on getting a positive result from the series-deciding second Test against Pakistan and play according to their strength rather than concentrating on the opposition squad, cricket experts opined on Wednesday.

Joe Root's gritty unbeaten 62 guided England to a five-wicket win in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Sri Lanka were in dire straits at 6-3 after skipper De Silva won the toss, losing their first three wickets for no runs in 10 balls.

Bangladesh opted to field first in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi today.

The toss for the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh Wednesday was delayed because of a wet outfield at Rawalpindi cricket stadium after overnight rain.

Bangladesh begin a two-Test series in Pakistan this week with their preparations severely hampered by the political turmoil that has wracked the country.

Cricket Australia (CA) plan to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first ever Test match, played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 1877, with an Australia vs England Test at the same venue in March 2027, the governing body said on Sunday.

In a decision reminiscent of the COVID-19 days, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to host the second Test against Bangladesh at the National Stadium here behind closed doors.

Steady rain restricted play to just the final session on the fourth day.