The 2nd Test between India vs NZ 2nd Test is shaping up to be a spinner’s paradise, and cricket lovers are in for a treat! Reports suggest that Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium will feature a slow and turning pitch, perfect for spinners to take charge. India, after their defeat in Bengaluru, will be hungry for redemption, and the slow nature of this pitch gives them the perfect opportunity to bring their spin trio into action. This match will be just the third Test ever played at this venue, but it promises to deliver some intense moments on the field.India vs NZ 2nd Test
Slow pitch, more spin for India vs NZ 2nd Test
According to ESPNCricinfo, the Pune surface is expected to be a flatter, slower one, with significantly less bounce than the Bengaluru track. Black soil dominates this pitch, meaning there will be plenty of action for spinners. Fans can expect India to go with three spinners again, a tactic they used in Bengaluru with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. With the addition of Washington Sundar to the squad, India is ready to make the most of this slow turner.
The very first Test at this stadium, India vs Australia back in 2016, was infamous for its pitch, which saw spinners take 31 out of 40 wickets. The surface was even rated “poor” by the ICC. Fast forward to now, and the report suggests there will be little to no grass on the pitch, with minimal seam movement expected on Day 1. This means the team winning the toss will almost certainly look to bat first and take advantage of the easier conditions early on.
India’s squad ready for the Pune battle
Led by Rohit Sharma, India’s squad looks formidable as they aim to bounce back from their Bengaluru setback. Here’s the full squad for the 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar.
Can India’s spinners outclass New Zealand on this slow Pune pitch? Get ready for a thrilling contest!
