India Requests 'Rank Turner' Pitch for Third Test Against New Zealand
The challenge is compounded by the nature of the Wankhede pitch, which features red soil that provides not only spin but also significant bounce. This is in contrast to the slow-turning pitch in Pune, which did not yield favorable results for the Indian batsmen.
In a bid to avoid a humiliating whitewash, the Indian cricket team has reportedly requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to prepare a "rank turner" for the upcoming third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium. Having already lost the series 2-0, India is looking to prevent an unwanted historical feat, as this would mark the first time they have suffered a Test series whitewash at home since February 2000.
The request for a spin-friendly pitch comes despite India’s disappointing performance on a similar track in the second Test in Pune, where they lost after struggling against New Zealand's spinners. The Indian batting lineup faltered, losing 19 of their 20 wickets to spin, with Mitchell Santner claiming 13 wickets in the match.
According to the Indian Express, the team management has specifically asked for a pitch that would aid spinners from the very first day of the Test. This comes in light of the stark contrast between the performances of India's premier spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and their New Zealand counterparts during the series. While Ashwin has excelled at Wankhede in the past, picking up 38 wickets at an impressive average of 18.42 over five Tests, the Indian batsmen’s inability to tackle effective spin bowling has raised concerns.
The challenge is compounded by the nature of the Wankhede pitch, which features red soil that provides not only spin but also significant bounce. This is in contrast to the slow-turning pitch in Pune, which did not yield favorable results for the Indian batsmen. Historically, the last time India lost all matches in a Test series at home was against South Africa in 2000.
New Zealand has already made history by winning their first Test series in India since 1988, and they have capitalized on India's recent struggles with spin. In the first Test in Bengaluru, India suffered a dramatic collapse, being bowled out for a record-low score of 46, with Matt Henry leading the attack. In the second Test, despite India's fightback in the second innings, they fell short again, succumbing to New Zealand's effective bowling strategy.
With the stakes high for the final Test, India is eager to turn the tide and regain their pride on home soil.
