Mumbai will host the second Test between India and New Zealand starting from December 3. The first Test ended in a draw after some resilient batting from the Kiwi tailenders. Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel denied India the last wicket as they saved the Test match and stayed alive in the series.
Meanwhile, ahead of the second Test, Mumbai is experiencing unseasonal rain. There has been continuous rain in the city for the last few days. The teams were forced to practice indoors due to the rain. However, things seem to get better as the Test match begins.
On day 1 of the game, there might be mild disturbances to play with around 20% chances of rain expected on Friday. However, the weather is expected to be completely clear from Saturday with the sun likely to come out.
India Practice Indoors In Mumbai
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 2, 2021
Indian skipper Virat Kohli said in the pre-match press conference that the playing Xi will be selected as per the weather conditions. The conditions are expected to be overhead in the first two days of the Test match at least.
https://youtu.be/YDA2vniymyY
“The combination of the playing XI we have to discuss, keeping in mind the weather conditions in Mumbai. We can’t assume that weather will be like this on all five days of the Test match,” Kohli said when asked about the team combination.
“All the members of the team understand where the team is placed. We always communicate well and if someone needs to be dropped it is combination based. This is not a difficult task when there is collective trust in the team as we prioritise the team first. The discussion always happens in our team in a rounded manner.”
This might make both teams think about fielding a three-man pace attack coupled with two spinners. Tim Southee also said that a call on their playing XI will be taken after captain Kane Williamson and coach Gary Stead have a look at the surface.
“I guess the wickets have been under the covers, hopefully, Gary and Kane can have a look at this wicket this afternoon. We were not expecting rain but this is something we need to adapt to it” said Southee.
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