Only in India: Langurs hired to shoo monkeys in Kanpur for 2nd IND vs BAN Test

In one of the most incredible things that can perhaps only happen in India, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has hired Langurs (a type of leaf monkey) to shoo away monkeys at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur for the second Test between India and Bangladesh.

Monkeys have long been a menace at Green Park as they can steal food from spectators and disturb broadcast cameras placed at raised stands. It's not the first time Langurs and their handlers have been hired for the cause.

“To avoid the terror of monkeys, we have langurs to take care of them,” Sanjay Kapoor, the venue director, told The Indian Express.

The report in the paper also said the raised stand for the broadcasters had been covered with a black cloth to block the monkeys' view.

Even contest between India and Bangladesh in the first session in Kanpur

India added more drama to the Test by opting to bowl first after winning the toss for the first time since 2015. There was substantial swing on offer for Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah in the first few overs but Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam saw them off nicely.

Akash Deep came into the attack in the ninth over and struck immediately, making Hasan edge a full ball to the slip cordon for a brilliant catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal. He prized out Islam in his third over, with India successfully reviewing to overturn the not-out LBW call.

Bangladesh recovered again, though, with Mominul Haque and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto putting up 48 runs off 89 balls to take Bangladesh to 77/2 at lunch. The visitors looked in a good position to capitalize as the pitch seemed to have eased out.

Catch the live action of the 2nd IND vs BAN Test here.