India vs Bangladesh, 1st Test, live: India have chosen fast bowler Akash Deep as their third option seam bowler as Bangladesh won the coin toss and decided to bowl first in the Test series opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.

India currently sits at the top of the World Test Championship points table while Bangladesh are in fourth place. The Test in Chennai, which will be played on a red surface, also marks the start of the Indian men’s team’s home international season.

In India’s last Test match, they beat England 4-1 at home, while Bangladesh followed that up with a remarkable 2-0 series win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

After winning the coin toss, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his decision was based on taking advantage of the early moisture at Chepauk.

A series win against Bangladesh would cement India’s place at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings, but Rohit Sharma-led team are wary of any complacency in the two-match home series that begins today in Chennai.

India are hoping to reach the WTC final for the third consecutive year and will be aiming for a strong start to the season, which also includes three home Tests against New Zealand and then five in Australia.