India’s cricket team management is pushing for a “rank turner” pitch at Wankhede Stadium for the upcoming third and final Test against New Zealand, which begins this Friday. A source confirmed to The Indian Express that the team has requested the preparation of a pitch designed to assist spinners from the very first day.
The decision comes on the heels of India’s disappointing performance in the Pune Test, where their batsmen struggled significantly against spinners, particularly left-armer Mitchell Santner, who claimed 13 of the 20 Indian wickets. The Pune pitch, while offering some turn, did not qualify as a “rank turner,” as the turn was slow and variable bounce only emerged later in the match. In contrast, the Indian team is looking to revert to a more traditional approach, where spin-friendly surfaces have historically favored their bowling attack.
Wankhede’s red soil is known to provide both turn and bounce, potentially creating a challenging environment for batsmen on both teams. If uneven bounce manifests, the match could conclude prematurely, as seen in past encounters on this ground. Notably, in a 2004 dead rubber against Australia, the match wrapped up within three days, with Australia collapsing for just 93 runs in their final innings.
Indian spinners have thrived on Wankhede’s pitches, with Ravichandran Ashwin leading the way. In five matches at the venue, he has taken 38 wickets at an impressive average of 18.42, the highest for any bowler on this ground. Ravindra Jadeja also made an impact during his lone appearance, claiming six wickets.
As preparations for the Test match continue, the pitch currently appears bare and lacking grass, with ground staff regularly watering it and exposing it to sunlight for extended periods to ensure the ideal conditions. The sea breeze during the first session could also help seamers gain some movement, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match setup.
With a “rank turner” in play, the focus will undoubtedly be on the spinners, making it a crucial Test for both teams as they navigate the challenging conditions.
