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Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh warned India against complacency as they gear up to host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series at home, starting next month.
Bangladesh have never beaten India in the longest format of the game. However, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side can’t be taken lightly as they registered their first-ever Test win against Pakistan earlier this month. Raina welcomed BCCI’s initiative to have most of the premier Indian cricketers competing in the upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy. The former India cricketer also said that the Bangladesh series is going to be a good dress rehearsal for the Border-Gavaskar Tests later this year.
“Now, a team for Tests will be formed. Top players playing Duleep Trophy is a nice initiative by the BCCI. You get to know a lot of things when you play red-ball cricket. You cannot take Bangladesh lightly as they have a fine spin bowling attack and some good players who have done well for a long time. This series will be a fine match practice for the tour to Australia,” Raina was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
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Sometimes, smaller teams perform well in matches: Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan pointed out Bangladesh’s significant win against Pakistan in the Rawalpindi Test and said that the Indian team should refrain from taking them lightly.
“It will be a great series. Indian cricket team has been very capable and has potential. However, we can’t strike through Bangladesh as well, they have beaten Pakistan in the first Test match against Pakistan. Sometimes, smaller teams perform well in matches,” the former off-spinner said.
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The first Test between India and Bangladesh takes place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, beginning on Thursday, September 19. Meanwhile, the second Test gets underway from Friday, September 27 at Green Park, Kanpur.
Bangladesh are currently playing the second and final Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. They will look to register a rare Test series win before embarking on a trip to India.