In the IND vs NZ 2nd Test, the Indian batting lineup was derailed by the Kiwi spinners.
After going 2-0 down and already conceding the three-match Test series, the Indian management has called up 35 net bowlers ahead of the final IND vs NZ Test match in Mumbai in a bid to avoid a series whitewash.
The team management has asked the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to permit the net bowlers to join India’s first comprehensive practice session following a two-day rest. Notably, it won’t be an optional training session and will be compulsory for everyone.
According to an Indian Express report, it has been understood that most of the net bowlers are expected to be spinners as India aim to tackle the Kiwi spin threat, that derailed the batting lineup in the decisive second match in Pune.
In the Pune game, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner continuously troubled the Indian batters and produced a match-winning performance, with his figures of 13 for 157 being the third-best by a visiting bowler in India.
India faced a heavy 113-run defeat on a turning pitch in the Pune Test, with the batters struggling against the overseas spinners. However, unlike a rank-turner, the Pune surface provided a slower turn with unpredictable bounce developing as the match progressed as the star-studded Indian batting lineup fell to spin for 19 of their 20 wickets, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner claiming 13 of them.
Despite the loss, recent reports have claimed that the Indian management wants to rely on a familiar strategy and has therefore asked the MCA for a rank turner for the third and final Test too, set to start on Friday (November 1).
It is expected that the pitch will help spinners from Day 1 of the contest.
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