India vs New Zealand 1st Test: Rain Threat in Bengaluru
India vs New Zealand 1st Test: Rain Threat Over Bengaluru
Team India is all set the face New Zealand in the first test match of the 3-match series. The first test match will be played in the Chinnaswamy stadium of Bengaluru. The series openers come in strong, starting on the 16th of October, and the beautiful game of cricket will likely have to endure a rain-marred series proposition with Threatening sky to pour down on the Guwahati pitch as the weather, for that matter, does not bode well for the first 3 days of the game. Cricket enthusiasts, more so those who were looking forward to India continuing their juggernaut-like performance at home, might just have to be prepared for a stop-start affair.
Weather Impact on the 1st Test
The Indian team had their training session, scheduled for Tuesday, called off following persistent rain. With this, there were doubts over the conditions that may prevail on the opening day. Before the India vs New Zealand 1st Test, the local weather portals have forecast a thunderstorm with a “generally cloudy sky with heavy rain” for the first three days between October 16 to 18. The forecast has improved marginally for the last two days, though the chances of rain will not be fully ruled out.
This could mean the ground staff at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium long hours of keeping the pitch and outfield in the best possible shape of estimated time as they deal with constant threats of downpours. With a rain-affected encounter ahead, both teams will have to remain adaptable and focused while making the right call when play resumes.
India’s Quest to Strengthen WTC Top Spot
India thus embarked on this series with elevated levels, after quite easily securing both these tests at 2-0 against Bangladesh in the limited overs format of the home series only. Now, they are in the proceedings of the ICC World Test Championship and are desirous to consolidate their already-acquired position. “New Zealand is a completely different challenge. New Zealand has a powerful batter and bowlers who can be a tough challenge for team India. We respect them and we understand their skills but we don’t fear anyone. Our players need to stay switched on from ball one, whether batting or bowling,” Gambhir said ahead of the match.
One can’t deny India’s dominance in home conditions-they have won 18 straight Tests at home since 2013, as Gambhir mentioned, New Zealand aren’t any pushovers. While currently sixth on the WTC points table, the Tom Latham-led Kiwis were reigning champions of WTC and could very well have provided an upset for India, especially with the weather threatening to even things out.
New Zealand’s Subcontinental Struggles
New Zealand has gone through a bad phase in the recent past in terms of matches in subcontinents. They lost the test series to Sri Lanks by 0-2. The Kiwi team has never been comfortable on the subcontinent, where spun-friendly pitches and generally challenging conditions always test them. Still, this series will see them rely again on players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell to hope for the stabilization of their innings.
First, the Kiwis have to fight off the Indian team’s the threemusketeer attack of spinners in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, but also the rain intermissions which can hinder their momentum.
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What’s at Stake?
The India vs New Zealand series is of great importance. India has a very good chance to qualify for the WTC as they need to win at least 2 matches out of 8 upcoming total test matches. However, India will try to gain maximum points to secure a place at the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2025. New Zealand, while far behind on the points table, will be trying to catch up, since they are sort of in a rebuilding process after some defeats lately.
Next in line is India which will tour Australia for the historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. This will see both play against each other for the first time in a five-match Test series hence increasing the challenge on the current form and fitness of India.
FAQs:
Q: Is there any chance of rain during the first test match of India vs New Zealand?
A: According to the weather forecast, heavy rain is expected from the 16th of October to 18 th of October.
Q: How many matches will be played in the India vs New Zealand test series?
A: India and New Zealand will play a total of 3 test matches.
Q: Who will lead the team Indin in the test series against New Zealand?
A: There were some speculations in Media that Rohit Sharma may be unavailable for the first test and Virat Kohli can take the lead. However, the truth will be revealed on the first day of the test match.
Q: How important is this test series for India from the WTC point of view?
A: The India vs New Zealand test series comes with great importance for India as currently, the India team is standing at the top of the WTC ranking and they wish to maintain the rank.
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