IND vs NZ, Tests 2024: How will Mumbai and Pune pitches will play? Will India be able to turn things around? Pros & Cons of playing in these conditions.
India are gearing up for the final two Tests of the crucial home series against New Zealand, following their surprising defeat in the first Test. Much attention is focused on how the pitches at Pune’s MCA Stadium and Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium will behave. Historically, India have thrived on turning tracks, with spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja playing pivotal roles in numerous victories. But can these pitches help India secure crucial victories at home, especially against a strong opposition?
A slow-turning pitch is being prepared for the second Test in Pune. According to ESPNcricinfo, the pitch, mainly consisting of black soil, is likely to offer lower bounce compared to the one used in Bengaluru for the first Test. It is expected to be flatter and slower, posing a challenge for both bowlers and batters alike.
Pros of Spinning Tracks
Suitable for spin dominance
India’s record with Ashwin and Jadeja on turning tracks is unmatched. Their ability to control the game from both ends and exploit any available turn makes India tough to beat at home. The addition of a Chinaman bowler provides variety to the bowling attack.
India’s batting depth bodes well
India’s top order, led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is well-equipped to handle spinning conditions. The middle order, with players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Sarfaraz Khan, provides stability, while Rishabh Pant’s aggressive strokeplay adds an unpredictable edge to the lineup.
Familiarity with conditions
India players are well-acquainted with these conditions, having regularly played on similar pitches. This gives them a significant advantage over visiting teams.
Cons of Spinning Tracks
Despite India’s historical dominance with spinners, New Zealand’s pacers played a key role in their recent success. Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul in the first innings and William O’Rourke’s seven wickets in the match highlighted how well New Zealand adapted. While New Zealand’s spinners were less threatening to India batters, the team still faces the challenge of handling Glenn Phillips, who has recently emerged as a standout spinner.
Phillips is known for his ability to take key wickets, including dismissing Virat Kohli at crucial moments. This presents an additional layer of complexity for India’s batting unit, especially if the pitches offer turn.
India’s batting record against spin
Since 2021, India batters have shown mixed performances against spin. Yashasvi Jaiswal has excelled, averaging nearly 100, showcasing composure and solid technique. Rishabh Pant’s aggressive approach has worked well, with an average of 72.86, often putting spinners on the back foot. Shubman Gill, with a steady average of over 52, has shown maturity in his shot selection. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has also contributed effectively, averaging 37.08.
However, senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have found it hard to maintain consistency against spin. Rohit has averaged only 36, struggling to convert starts into substantial scores. Kohli’s average of 31.78 highlights his struggles against spinners in key moments. Sarfaraz Khan, despite his domestic success, and KL Rahul, with a disappointing average of 28.00, have both faced challenges in adapting to turning tracks.
India’s Test record at MCA and Wankhede Stadium
MCA Stadium, Pune:
India’s experience at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is limited but telling. The venue has hosted only two Test matches, with contrasting outcomes. In 2017, India suffered a surprising loss to Australia, struggling against spin as Steve O’Keefe took 12 wickets, resulting in India being bowled out for just 105 and 107.
However, in 2019, India bounced back with a dominant victory over South Africa, winning by an innings and 137 runs, powered by Kohli’s double century and Mayank Agarwal’s hundred. Ashwin and Jadeja took 21 wickets between them, emphasising their dominance on turning tracks. At this venue, both pacers (average 21) and spinners (average 23) have been effective, though spinners hold a slight edge due to the hot and humid conditions.
Test matches played: 2
Wins: 1
Losses: 1
Draws: 0
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai:
The Wankhede Stadium has produced a variety of results, hosting 27 Test matches. India has won 12, lost seven, and drawn eight. The pitch at Wankhede assists spin as the game progresses, but early on, the red soil offers some help to pacers. This balance makes it a challenging venue for both batters and bowlers.
Memorable performances at Wankhede include Kohli’s 235 against England in 2016 and Ashwin’s 10-wicket haul in the same match. Ashwin has an impressive record at Wankhede, with 38 wickets in 10 innings at an average of 18.42. Axar Patel, too, has made an impact, taking 14 wickets in his two Tests here at an average of 16.
Test matches played: 27
Wins: 12
Losses: 7
Draws: 8
Conclusion
While spinning tracks at Pune and Mumbai have historically favoured India, they come with risks. The key for India will be balancing their spin and pace attacks to fully exploit home conditions while ensuring their batters are prepared to post substantial totals. Considering India’s recent form and track record at these venues, spinning pitches could indeed help India clinch crucial victories. However, the team must avoid over-reliance on spin and adapt to the challenges posed by the opposition and the pitch conditions as the matches unfold.
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