The India vs New Zealand 3rd Test is all set to be played starting November 1 and the pitch is sure to come up with an exciting contest between bat and ball as the teams get ready for the third Test at Wankhede Stadium. Traditionally a batting-friendly surface in the initial stages, the pitch offers good bounce and carry that allows batters to score runs very comfortably, characteristically made of red soil.
Variable Turn And Bounce On Wankhede Pitch
However, as the game progresses, the wicket, as a general rule of thumb, does deteriorate and starts giving turn and variable bounce that is tricky to handle but a blessing for the spinners. Toss might even be decisive since captains may want to bat first with the aim of scoring as big as possible before conditions worsen. New Zealand has played only three Tests at Wankhede and won just one, so they know the conditions a little. But they will face an Indian side motivated to end their losing streak.
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The Changing Pitch Conditions
For weather, Mumbai is expected to be warm and humid. Both sides have a lot at play here, while New Zealand has already won the series, India will be looking forward to stop the kiwis from clinching a series clean sweep. So, pitch becomes very important in deciding course of this Test at the Wankhede cricket stadium. There would be a thrilling contest in total, where scoring gets easier in the initial days but the game might take a turnaround at later stages in favor of spinners. Every session would be crucial because the different natures of the pitch would add strategic dimensions to this thriller.
Team India’s Surprising Pitch Demand
According to a report by The Indian Express, the team management was not satisfied with the Wankhede pitch and sought a surface that would provide assistance to spinners from the very first day of play. Mumbai Test is very crucial for the ambition of India to play in the final of World Test Championship. India now stands a significantly decreased probability of reaching the final by losing twice to Kiwis. So, this one is even more crucial after a rather testing five-match series looming in Australia for India.
“It will be rank turner pitch. The team management has requested to prepare a pitch which can help spinners from day 1. It seems the team wants to go on a tried and tested formula,” the paper quoted a source
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