Batting pitch for India-Bangladesh first Test

A batting-friendly track, which is also expected to assist spinners, awaits India and Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series starting at Chittagong on Sunday.

The pitch at Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium, which has a tinge of grass on it, has been kept covered to protect it from the sun as the mercury here at the port city of Bangladesh is rising.

Pitch curator Bilal Hussain said whichever side wins the toss should opt to bat first and put up a huge score so that their spinners can get assistance later.

"It is a sporting pitch and will have something for the batsmen and the bowlers. The team which bats first can pile on runs, may be 500-600 especially India since they have a strong batting line up," he told PTI.

The last time India played a Test here was in May 2007 under Rahul Dravid and the it ended in a draw due to rain interruptions. That was the only match to end as a draw out of the six, the venue has hosted since 2006. "This time it will have a result," he said.

The outfield is hard and dry with little grass and the pitch is expected to be watered on Friday and Saturday.

India coach Gary Kirsten and players, including Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman, also had a look at the track before the team practice in the afternoon.