A more predictable collapse for a mere 91 in the second innings handed India a relatively comfortable nine-wicket win in failing light late on the fourth evening.

Much has happened since then. None of Bangladesh's 13 test victories has come against the powerhouse of the Sub-Continent, with two draws all that the Tigers have to show for their nine matches against India.

The most recent match between the two nations in 2017 went according to the script, with India amassing an impregnable 687 for six in defeating their less experienced foes by 208 runs.

Bangladesh today take to the crease in Indore hoping to show that they are slowly but surely closing the gap between the two nations.

They will have to do this without arguably their two best batsmen. Opener Tamim Iqbal misses the series to be with his wife as they prepare to welcome their second child.

The story of former leader Shakib al-Hasan is rather more complicated. Having led his players in strike action and then led them back to work again, Shakib now finds himself on the outer completely, having been banned by the ICC for two years (one suspended), for failing to report three separate approaches from a suspected corruptor.

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Tamim's place is taken by the experienced Imrul Kayes, who whilst not having the most imposing of test records numerically, will at least provide a steady hand and a wise head at the top of the order.

He may well find his opening partner to be the promising youngster Shadman Islam. Shadman impressed in scoring a composed 76 in his maiden test innings in Dhaka 12 months ago after amassing an impressive body of work at under-19 level, and comes to the tournament with confidence levels high after stroking 178 in his most recent match in Bangladesh's first class competition.

The absence of Bangladesh's two star batsmen will place even greater reliance on their consistent pocket battleship, Mushfiqur Rahim.

Only Tamim has more test runs for Bangladesh than Mushfiq's 4029, and none in this test squad can match his temperament when it comes down to playing a long innings.

New captain Mominul Haque will be required to lead from the front; he has more than once shown himself to have the ability to become an elite test match batsman but has at times found consistency difficult to come by.

These potential match winners will be assisted by a group of batsmen that have at times flattered to deceive at test level. With adversity, however, comes opportunity, and now is the time for one or more batsmen to step out from that pack and take the test series by the scruff of the neck.

Mahmudullah Riyad has been around for a long time and now leads his country in the short game, but too often has given his wicket away at test level with the attack seemingly at his mercy.

Liton Das is a far better player than his test average of 23.71 from 28 innings would suggest. Mossadek Hossain has had limited opportunities at test level, but has shown enough to suggest that he could succeed as a test batsman.

Shakib's absence provides the chance for one of these players, or even fringe players such as Mohammad Mithun or exciting youngster Saif Hassan, the chance to establish themselves in the Bangladeshi middle order.

Bangladesh's strength in bowling, as always, will lie within their spin department. Both Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan have spun their side to victory, albeit in helpful conditions, with 10-wicket match hauls in the recent past.

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