India vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

India vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

The first Test of the three-match series between India and New Zealand will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru. India’s Test contingent is back on the road after a successful 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh last month. After India’s clean sweep, they strongly hold the pole position of the World Test Championship points table with 98 points and a PCT of 74.24. 

The hosts announced a 15-member squad for the series with only one change from the Bangladesh tie. Pacer Yash Dayal who was part of the 16-member squad, wasn’t been picked for this tour. The Rohit Sharma-led side, who are riding high on confidence will look to once again replicate an impressive performance in the coming series. This will be India’s last home series before the side travels to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

On the other hand, Tom Latham‘s New Zealand is coming off a disappointing 2-0 series lost at the hands of Sri Lanka. The Kiwis haven’t had a good 2024 in the game’s longest format, as they have won just two Test matches out of the seven played. Before the Sri Lanka tour, New Zealand had travelled to India for a One-off Test match against Afghanistan, but the game was abandoned without a bowl being bowled due to persistent rain. 

Meanwhile, the tourists, have been affected by some injuries before locking horns with the mighty Indians. Star batter Kane Williamson is set to arrive later in the series due to a groin strain sustained during the Lanka series. Left-hand batter Mark Chapman has been called up as cover. Furthermore, pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the series on the eve of the first Test due to a knee injury. The management has announced Jacob Duffy as his replacement. 

Read More: IND vs NZ: Ben Sears ruled out due to knee injury, Jacob Duffy announced replacement

The iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is gearing up to host its first Test since 2022. India and New Zealand last took on each other at this venue back in 2012, which India won by five wickets. 

Rain will play possums on opening day of first Test

Just a day ahead of the opening Test, the garden city experienced heavy rains in the morning and it is expected that rain can play a spoilsport on Day 1, but the weather is expected to improve as the game progresses. The weather is anticipated to be overcast for the rest of the days.

Also Read: Watch: Virat Kohli gives signed bat to young cricketer ahead of first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru

Other than that, bad light can spoil the game on most of the days. The floodlights are likely to be used after Tea. Meanwhile, batting first will be ideal as the Bengaluru track is a batting paradise. The pacers will enjoy bowling as the conditions will hugely favour them and might get some swing early on.