IND Vs NZ 2nd Test Pitch Report | How Will The Surface At Pune's MCA Stadium Behave?
![MCA Stadium, Pune [Source: @ImArpit_18/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1729663974341_Pune_pitch.jpg?im=Resize=(650,450))
MCA Stadium, Pune [Source: @ImArpit_18/X]
On Thursday, India will lock horns with New Zealand in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series. The much-awaited encounter will be played at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
Led by Rohit Sharma, India had a disastrous start to the series, losing the opening match by eight wickets. The hosts had a shambolic outing with the bat, being bowled out for 46 runs in their first innings. Despite putting up a spirited effort, the hosts eventually suffered a lower-order collapse in their second innings, conceding New Zealand the game.
On the other hand, the Blackcaps must be very confident following their triumph in Bengaluru. Rachin Ravindra starred with the bat for them, with Devon Conway, William O'Rourke and Matt Henry playing instrumental roles for them. With veteran batter Kane Williamson still nursing a groin injury, the Kiwis will likely persist with the same team for the second Test.
As both teams gear up for a fascinating contest, let's see how the surface at MCA stadium in Pune will behave throughout the match.
MCA Stadium Pune Ground Stats In Tests
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 2 |
| Matches won batting first | 2 |
| Matches won batting second | 0 |
| Average 1st innings score | 430 |
| Average 2nd innings score | 190 |
| Average 3rd innings score | 237 |
| Average 4th innings score | 53 |
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Batters Or Bowlers; Who Will Be More Successful At MCA Stadium In Pune?
The pitch at MCA Stadium in Pune will be on the drier side. If reports are believed, it will be a black-soil pitch with lesser bounce than the Bengaluru track. Considering India fell flat against New Zealand's rampant pace battery, the hosts might prepare a more spin-friendly pitch, where their legendary spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can make it difficult for the visiting batters to breathe.
So, the pitch will offer significant turn, keeping the spinners in the game throughout the match. How fast the track deteriorates will be determined by how well it's been watered over the last few days.
Nevertheless, with the sun beating down, the pitch will get drier and batting will get trickier. Considering the abrasive conditions, the pacers might get the old ball to reverse. Keeping the playing conditions in mind, batting first should be a no-brainer for the toss-winning team.
Players To Watch Out For In MCA Stadium Pune
Ravichandran Ashwin
- The veteran off-spinner had a forgettable outing with the ball in Bengaluru, scalping a solitary wicket in two innings. However, he has a phenomenal record in Pune, having scalped 13 wickets in two outings. Also, considering Pune's spin-friendly conditions, Ashwin will again be India's wrecker-in-chief with the ball.
Ravindra Jadeja
- The experienced Indian all-rounder is one of the finest exponents of spin bowling. The left-arm spinner has scalped nine wickets in two Tests in Pune and could be a valuable asset for India in this match.
Rachin Ravindra
- The left-handed batter oozed his class in the Bengaluru Test, slamming a sensational century for New Zealand. The southpaw is in sublime form and might once again be the visitors' main batter in spin-friendly conditions in Pune.
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