Reports: India demand rank turner for Mumbai Test vs New Zealand

According to reports, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has been asked by Team India to prepare a rank-turner surface for the last Test match against New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. India’s remarkable 18-series winning streak at home came to an end as New Zealand led 2-0, causing the hosts to lose their first home Test series in 12 years.

In light of the possibility of their first series whitewash since February 2000, the request for a spinning track was made. Concerns have been expressed regarding the team’s capacity to manage turning conditions due to their struggles against spin, especially against Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets in the second Test. An Indian Express story claims that the team management is going back to a tried-and-true approach.

The pitch will be a rank turner. The management of the team has asked that a pitch be prepared that will assist spinners from the first day. According to a source, “it appears the team wants to stick to a tried and tested formula.”

The location has benefited the spinners.

The red-soil pitch at Wankhede Stadium features a lot of bounce, which might make it harder for hitters to hit and help both sides’ spin assaults. The field has historically favoured the spinners; Ravichandran Ashwin tied Anil Kumble’s record of 38 wickets here. Notably, in 2021, Ajaz Patel of New Zealand amassed an incredible 10-wicket innings at this very location.

The troubles of the older batters have been especially worrisome, and it can backfire to face quality spin on a track that is turning. To prevent a whitewash, the squad appears willing to take this measured chance.

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Regarding roster revisions, Harshit Rana, a pacer from Delhi, has been added. He might gain useful experience prior to the forthcoming Australian tour from this tactical choice.