India vs Bangladesh 2024 Test series: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai pitch history and Test records
The MA Chidambaram Stadium will host the first Test of the series between India and Bangladesh, starting tomorrow (September 19) morning. Test cricket returns to the iconic venue in Chennai for the first time since 2021.
Traditionally, the wicket in Chennai has assisted the spinners and the batters who can play spin well. Rohit Sharma smashed a brilliant century against England in the last Test hosted by this ground.
Rohit returns to the iconic stadium again, this time as India's Test captain. Before the India vs Bangladesh Test match starts, here's a quick glance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium's pitch history and Test records.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Test records
This will be the first time India and Bangladesh will compete in a Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The home side has fond memories of playing at this venue because they have a 15-7 win-loss record.
The last time India lost a Test in Chennai against a subcontinental team was back in 1999, when Pakistan edged them by 12 runs.
Here are some other important stats and numbers to know from previous Tests hosted by Chennai:
Test matches played: 34
Won by teams batting first: 12
Won by teams batting second: 10
Drawn: 11
Tied: 1
Highest team total: 759/7 dec - India vs England, 2016
Lowest team total: 83 - India vs England, 1977
Highest individual score: 319 - Virender Sehwag (IND) vs South Africa, 2008
Best bowling figures (innings): 8/55 - Mulvantrai Mankad (IND) vs England, 1952
Best bowling figures (match): 16/136 - Narendra Hirwani (IND) vs West Indies, 1988
Highest successful run-chase: 387/4 - India vs England, 2008
Average first innings score: 344
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai pitch report
The pitch in Chennai generally helps the spin bowlers. Ravichandran Ashwin took eight wickets in the last Test hosted by this venue, which shows that the batters, who struggle against spin, may have a hard time at this venue.
Teams batting first won both the Tests played at this stadium in 2021. Thus, the captain winning the toss may prefer batting first in the upcoming Test match.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai last Test
India beat England by 317 runs in the last Test hosted by Chennai. The match happened in February 2021, where Rohit Sharma's excellent 161-run knock helped India post 329 on the board. In response, England were bowled out for just 134 runs.
Ravichandran Ashwin then slammed a century in the second innings as India set a massive 482-run target for the visitors. Despite an 18-ball 43 from Moeen Ali, England lost by 317 runs. Here's a brief summary of the scores:
Brief scores: India 329 (Rohit Sharma 161, Moeen Ali 4/128) & 286 (Ravichandran Ashwin 108, Moeen Ali 4/98) beat England 134 (Ben Foakes 42*, Ravichandran Ashwin 5/43) & 164 (Moeen Ali 43, Axar Patel 5/60) by 317 runs.