The highly anticipated three-Test series between India and New Zealand is set to start from Bengaluru on Wednesday. This is crucial as India would like to consolidate their top spot in the World Test Championship table by a struggling New Zealand lineup. However, unpredictable weather in the city has given an added layer of complexity to the preparation and team combinations for either outfit.
India vs New Zealand 2024 Schedule
The India vs New Zealand 2024 schedule is supposed to be a real challenge because three Tests are going to be played. The first Test was scheduled to take place in Bengaluru and then two more are going to happen, but at those places have not been decided yet. Though both were making preparations for the challenging encounter, rain has been playing havoc in Bengaluru, which has caused a great deal of hindrance in the practice sessions of both sides.
India vs New Zealand Test: Battle of Strategies
India would be able to prepare turner-friendly pitches, and that would have pretty much won the series for them. Then there’s the woeful record New Zealand have against spin. Three spinners in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav might be picked, but persistent rain overcast conditions in Bengaluru might force the management to think of a different selection.
Conditions might suit seamers, and India can look to play with three seamers and two spinners. More combinations for the Test side will depend on conditions the first game gets while playing India vs New Zealand.
India vs New Zealand Test Venue
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host the first Test of India vs New Zealand. Even though this ground has been a spin-friendly venue, an overcast day and wet conditions can bring up the role of the fast bowlers considerably. The three fast bowlers from India who can capitalise on the seam-friendly nature of the pitch are Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Deep.
On the New Zealand side, they lose a key player in Kane Williamson and Ben Sears who have been ruled out of the matches due to injury. Williamson has since been confirmed to return for the second Test, while Jacob Duffy will make his debut in response to Sears. Changes are expected on both sides ahead of the India vs New Zealand Test squad 2024 as they seem to get accustomed to the changing weather and pitches conditions.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series Preview
Although the Tests will certainly take the focus of much of the current action, cricket fans are also waiting for the limited overs version. The India vs New Zealand ODI series will be played after the tests and will just be another addition to this long going rivalry. Probably the sides would look to groom their different combinations before the ICC Cricket World Cup that is around the corner.
Now New Zealand batting line-up faces several challenges
New Zealand would struggle hard to counter India’s powerful bowling line up, which would be operating mainly without the key stabilizing influence of Williamson in the batting order. For that, Tim Southee and Will O’Rourkee would lead the Kiwi’s bowling attack and hope for doing well on the conditions of Bengaluru. New Zealand vs India Test Team will have to fight up for themselves especially against India’s lineup filled with stars.
India will face New Zealand, which will be playing against a side on a six-match winning streak in Tests consecutively. As the match progresses, captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir will keenly watch out for the strengths of the team and adapt to the conditions to plan accordingly. Virat Kohli will look to get back into form here ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia back-end of the year.
Kohli has been the talking point, with fans expecting some big scores from the former skipper. His playing against New Zealand’s bowling, especially on overcast days, would be the key to India‘s success.
Weather Woes and Delays
To the dismay of any cricket fan, Bengaluru’s weather forecast does not seem to encourage a sunny day for the opening Test between India and New Zealand. The hourly weather reports for the whole of the first day suggest plenty of chances of showers during the match. Water-logging and disrupted practice sessions are two concerns in the lists to be spotted; therefore, there is every possibility that both teams may have to think on their feet – after deposing plans on paper – as the series continues.
Weather was a major talking point in news about India vs New Zealand, especially ahead of this series. But by and large, the two teams are the biggest talking points for this Test series-India dominating the recent past and New Zealand looking to stage something despite the absence of their big guns. Both will look to make a statement ahead of further tests, and this Test series promises to be an exciting contest-under the weather.
FAQ:
Where is the venue for India vs New Zealand?
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is the venue for India vs New Zealand.
Where can you buy India vs New Zealand Test match tickets?
Through the Paytm Insider app or website, one can buy tickets for the India vs New Zealand Test match.
Is New Zealand touring India?
Yes, they are currently touring.
How many Test matches did India win in New Zealand?
India won the series 3-1 in New Zealand.
How many times has New Zealand beat India?
13 times.
