The second test match between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai was delayed due to wet outfield. It has been raining in Mumbai for the last two days. The match which was scheduled to begin from 9:30 IST is delayed.
Also Read:- IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Jadeja, Ishant, Rahane and Williamson ruled out due to injury !
The match officials are inspecting the pitch several times to check if the field is ready for the game to start. Meanwhile, the groundsmen were seen using the vacuum cleaner to make the bowler’s run up ready. Vacuum cleaner is being used instead of a drier to make the pitch ready.
Also Read:- Shaun Tait resigns as the bowling consultant of Afghanistan
Nitin Menon the on-field umpire for the game has expressed concerns particularly over the bowler’s run up area and the whole 30-yard circle. Another on-field umpire Anil Chaudhary has also expressed some similar concerns.
“Our main concern is the 30-yard circle and the bowlers’ run-ups,” umpire Menon was quoted as saying. “The conditions will not be 100% because it has rained last two days. But once the sunshine is out, we may get better conditions. Safety is the only thing; the rest is fine,” Anil Chaudhary said.
Prior to the start of the game, commentator Deep Dasgupta and former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar conducted the pitch report and conducted that the pitch will benefit the spinners more. They added that the pitch will deteriorate further therefore batting in the 4th innings will not be a great idea.
“There’s a bit of moisture usually, but this might hold because it’s been under the covers. This will certainly spin, because I can see cracks and these will open up with the sun out. Because of the moisture on Day 1, there will be seam, so if you bat first you have to bat well, but you don’t want to bat last. This might be a good toss to lose,” they said.
The second pitch inspection took place at 10:30 IST which declared that the toss will be taking place at 11:30 IST and the game will begin from 12 noon. A total of 78 overs to be bowled today.
Also Read:- This player has extended his contract with Essex County Cricket Club