India vs New Zealand 1st Test Preview: Can Rain Help New Zealand in Bengaluru?
India is set to take on New Zealand in the first Test of the series, and although India starts as the clear favorite, the weather in Bengaluru might just level the playing field. There's been heavy rain leading up to the match, and the pitch has been covered most of the time. This could create conditions that favor the seamers, giving New Zealand a chance to make an impact, especially since they’ve come to India off a tough 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka.
India is in strong form, having won their last six Test matches. They are also on top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, while New Zealand, who won the inaugural WTC in 2021, are struggling with just a 37.5% win record this cycle. They will have to begin this series without their star player Kane Williamson, who is still recovering from an injury.
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While India’s spin-heavy attack is expected to thrive on turning tracks, the weather could be a game-changer. The overcast and rainy conditions might make the pitch more favorable for fast bowlers. New Zealand captain Tom Latham is hopeful that cloudy weather will bring his seamers into play, especially with someone like Tim Southee, who has a good record in India, taking five-wicket hauls on his previous visits. Southee’s experience in Indian conditions will be crucial, especially given New Zealand’s recent struggles.
However, India is still confident, even without pacer Mohammed Shami, who is out due to injury. They might field an extra spinner or go with three quicks depending on how the conditions evolve closer to the toss. Virat Kohli, back in his IPL home city, will be the center of attention. He’s just 53 runs short of 9,000 in Tests and fans are eager to see how he performs ahead of India’s big Test series in Australia.
Rain remains a significant factor in this match, with the first two days expected to see interruptions. Bengaluru’s drainage system is one of the best in the world, but the forecast suggests that both teams will have to adjust their strategies to weather-affected play. While India is the stronger side on paper, New Zealand will hope the conditions can tilt the game in their favor, giving them a rare opportunity to win a Test in India, something they haven't done since 1988.
As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on how the weather shapes the contest, and whether New Zealand can capitalize on the chance to upset a dominant Indian team on home soil.
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