Trailing 0-2 in the series, the Indian cricket team is focused on securing a win in the third Test against New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Although the series is lost, India is determined to triumph in this match to enhance their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final.

Pitch Conditions: A Shift In Strategy

Significant changes are anticipated regarding the pitch conditions as the teams meet for the final encounter. Unlike the first two matches, where spinners thrived from Day 1, the Wankhede pitch is expected to provide better batting conditions initially.

According to a report from the Times of India, a “sporting track” has been prepared, featuring some grass that will benefit batters on the first day. Spinners are likely to find assistance only from Day 2 onwards. A source stated, “It will be a sporting track. Right now, there’s a bit of grass on the pitch. It’s expected to be good for batting on Day 1 but should offer turn to spinners from Day 2.”

Historical Performance At Wankhede

India’s last Test match against New Zealand at Wankhede took place in December 2021, where the hosts claimed a decisive victory by 372 runs. New Zealand was bowled out for just 62 and 167, struggling on a pitch that heavily favored spin bowlers.

In that match, India posted scores of 325 and 276/7 declared. Ravichandran Ashwin was a standout performer, taking 8 wickets for only 42 runs.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel made headlines by achieving figures of 10/119 in the first innings and adding 4 more wickets for 104 runs in the second.