How Will Bengaluru Weather Affect M. Chinnaswamy Stadium's Pitch For 1st IND Vs NZ Test?
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru [Source: PTI]
After recording a 2-0 whitewash over Bangladesh, India are all set to take on a spirited New Zealand side in a three-match Test series. The first match of the series will be played in Bengaluru, with Pune and Mumbai hosting the subsequent affairs.
Meanwhile, the start of the series opener at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been delayed due to inclement weather conditions. An incessant downpour in Bengaluru has prevented cricket fans from witnessing a riveting contest between two formidable outfits at the iconic venue.
However, considering the ground is equipped with a sub-air drainage system, we expect the proceedings to get underway sooner or later. But before the action begins, let's analyse and find out how rain will affect the playing conditions of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
How Will Bengaluru Rain Affect M. Chinnaswamy Stadium's Pitch?
As reported earlier, the surface at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru had a tinge of green, and the fast bowlers expected to get a hint of seam movement with the new ball. As it has rained a lot, the pitch must've absorbed some moisture, making itself more conducive to bowling.
A pitch with moisture always helps the fast bowlers generate significant seam movement. So, besides getting some extra bounce from the back-of-the-length area, the pacers will move the ball both ways and challenge the batters.
Interestingly, moisture is beneficial for not only pacers but also spinners. According to the legendary Shane Warne, the spinners get genuine grip and turn from a surface when it has some moisture. There are several instances of this phenomenon, with Ravichandran Ashwin's sensational spell in the Boxing Day Test in 2020 being the most prominent example.
So, if the game begins, the pitch will initially favour the bowlers, with batting being an uphill task. However, the batters will enjoy their time in the middle as the sun comes out and the pitch gets dried up. So, considering the overcast conditions, it won't be surprising if the toss-winner bowls first.