New Delhi: The Indian team management reportedly summoned as many as 35 net bowlers during Team India’s first full-fledged practice session in Mumbai ahead of the third and final Test against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma-led India will be looking to stop New Zealand’s juggernaut and bounce back in the third Test to avoid a clean sweep in the three-match series.
As per a report in the Indian Express, at least 35 net bowlers were called by the Indian team management with most of them spinners. A variety of spinners were called to ensure the Indian batters got good practice against spin after their dismal show against the spinners in the 2nd Test in Pune. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner ran riot with the ball as India suffered a 113-run defeat in the match.
Santner picked up a seven-wicket haul during India’s first innings and followed it up with a 6-fer in the second innings to pick up a total of 13 wickets in the two innings. However, despite their capitulation against spin in Pune, India have reportedly asked for a ‘rank turner’ to be prepared at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the third Test against the Kiwis.
The Indian team management has taken a huge gamble by asking for another spin-friendly wicket. However, it is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the Indian batters get the best preparations for the spin challenge in the Mumbai Test.
The Indian team management has also informed the players that there will be no optional training for them ahead of the third Test. The training will be mandatory to attend all players even on Diwali on Thursday, October 31. India will be desperately looking to get back to winning ways in Mumbai having already conceded their maiden Test series defeat at home against New Zealand and their first home Test series defeat in 12 years.
Spinners are once again expected to dominate the proceedings in the third Test as the pitch at the Wankhede has traditionally assisted the turners. R Ashwin is the most successful bowler at the venue in Tests with 38 wickets at an average of 18.42. In the only Test match that he has played in Mumbai, Ravindra Jadeja also has six wickets to his name.
