An away game to begin the Ranji Trophy campaign isn't ideal for most teams. However, Bengal seem ready for what's to be thrown at them by Uttar Pradesh in their opener at the Ekana International Stadium in Lucknow beginning on Friday.

The Ekana pitch for the Irani Cup earlier this month was on the flatter side, offering big help to batsmen. On this occasion, though, the surface is expected to be a little more sporting, and if that's so Bengal will go in with three quicks and two spinners in the XI.

Mukesh Kumar, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and Mohammed Kaif are likely to be the three quicks, while Shahbaz Ahmed and comeback man Writtick Chatterjee will look after the spin department. In case it's a green top, a seamer all-rounder — Rohit Kumar or Avilin Ghosh — will join the pace trio.

On top of the order, Sudip Chatterjee may open alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran.