Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 01, 2024, 07:00 AM
IND vs NZ: The Indian cricket team will enter the third and final match of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand with the intention of avoiding a clean sweep. This match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1. The performance of the Indian batsmen against New Zealand in the first two Test matches was disappointing, due to which India had to face defeat in a Test series on home ground for the first time in 12 years. New Zealand has created history by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.No plans to rest Jasprit BumrahBefore the third Test, it was revealed in many discussions that Jasprit Bumrah could be given rest. However, Indian team's batting coach Abhishek Nair clarified the situation on this. Nair said that no such decision has been taken by the team management. Nair also told that Bumrah has bowled only about 20-25 overs in the first two Test matches, so looking at his workload, there is no need to give him rest at the moment.No new player included in the teamGiving an important information before the third Test, Nair said that no additional player has been included in the team. However, it was reported that Harshit Rana has been called to practice and bowl with the team, but Nair denied these speculations. Rana, who is a medium pacer from Delhi and has also been selected in the team for the Australia tour, is only a part of the training.Pitch and weather condition: Opportunity for fast bowlersNair said in reference to the pitch and weather of Wankhede that fast bowlers can get some help here. He said that during winter in Mumbai there is some moisture and dew in the morning, due to which fast bowlers can get swing in the first session. However, due to the pitch being covered, its actual condition is not yet clear, but Nair believes that if the pitch becomes a little hard then fast bowlers can get an advantage in the first session.Need for introspectionThis series is also an opportunity for introspection for the Indian team, as this painful experience of losing a series on home ground has come for them after more than a decade. Nair says that the team will have to learn from this defeat and consider its weaknesses. This is an important opportunity for them to improve strategy and mentality before the upcoming five-Test series against Australia.Indian team's intention in the third TestThe Indian team will go into this third Test with the intention of saving the honor and giving a solid performance. While maintaining a balance of experienced and young players, the team will have to show strength in its batting and bowling. With a win in this final Test against New Zealand, the Indian team will try to recover the home audience from disappointment.