IND vs NZ: 1st Test Preview – India gear up for Kiwi Test in Bengaluru
The New Zealand tour of India 2024 is set to kick off with the first Test in Bengaluru on October 16. However, New Zealand faces a setback as star batter Kane Williamson is doubtful for the match due to a groin injury he sustained during their previous series against Sri Lanka. Mark Chapman has been called up as cover, and although he has excelled in limited-overs cricket, this will be his first opportunity in the Test format. New Zealand’s captain for the series will be Tom Latham, stepping in after Tim Southee resigned as captain following their recent loss.
India, meanwhile, has named a strong squad with Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain. The series is anticipated to be a testing one for both teams, especially with India playing at home in conditions that favor spin. New Zealand has bolstered their spinning options by including Michael Bracewell, Ajaz Patel, and Ish Sodhi. Bracewell will only be available for the first Test, after which Sodhi will step in as his replacement.
This Test series marks the first of three matches between India and New Zealand, with the subsequent matches scheduled in Pune and Mumbai. Both teams will be keen to gain an early lead, with the spotlight on how New Zealand adapts to India’s spin-friendly pitches and how India manages the absence of Williamson in the early stages of the series.
Pitch Report
The pitch at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is traditionally known for being a batting-friendly surface, especially in the early stages of the match. However, as the game progresses, the track offers significant assistance to spinners, making it a key factor in the middle and late stages of the Test. Expect plenty of runs on Day 1, with spinners coming into play from Day 3 onwards. The weather conditions in Bengaluru might also create some swing early in the mornings for the seamers.
Probable Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, Jacob Duffy
