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IND vs NZ 1st Test, Day 3 Pitch Report: Will Bengaluru’s Surface Favour Bowlers Again?

IND vs NZ 1st Test, Day 3 Pitch Report [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]IND vs NZ 1st Test, Day 3 Pitch Report [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

As we step into Day 3 of the first Test between India and New Zealand, the pitch at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has proven to be a challenging arena for batters. The dampness early on favoured seam movement and bounce, enabling New Zealand's quicks to make full use of the conditions.

Even as the sun came out briefly, the surface retained enough moisture to keep bowlers interested, and it continues to play tricks on the batters.

IND vs NZ: Day 3 Pitch Will Continue to Pose a Stern Test

India’s spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, started finding turn as cracks began to open up late on Day 2. These subtle changes suggest that Day 3 could see even more grip and turn, especially if the conditions dry up enough before any forecasted rain.

If the spinners can maintain consistency, they might finally get the opportunity to pull India back into the game. Ashwin's variations and Jadeja’s ability to use any rough patches outside the left-hander’s off stump will be crucial.

New Ball Countdown on a Testing Track

With only 30 overs remaining before the new ball becomes available, India’s current focus should be to keep the scoring under control and build pressure on New Zealand’s lower middle order. The older ball has had a tendency to keep low at times, adding to the challenges batters face, but also giving the Indian attack enough to work with.

Should New Zealand’s batters manage to hold out until the new ball, India’s pacers will once again be in the game with fresh ammunition to capitalise on whatever movement the pitch offers. 


Day 3 brings a potential twist with a high probability of showers and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. The predicted cloud cover could help the seamers get some swing, especially if they can take advantage of the moisture lingering in the air.

The early session will be crucial. If India’s bowlers can keep a tight line and induce mistakes from New Zealand’s well-set batters, the hosts could break open the game and stop the lead from growing fast before the new ball arrives. 

On the contrary, if New Zealand's middle order digs in and pushes the lead closer to 200, India could find themselves in a deeper hole as the pitch deteriorates.

With a 134-run lead already in hand, New Zealand have their noses in front, and Day 3 could decide whether they will maintain their iron grip or let India inch back into the contest.

Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell have been proactive so far, but with variable bounce setting in, this might not be a happy hunting ground for batters. As the pitch deteriorates, it’ll be a true test of technique and patience.

Opportunity or Obstacle for India’s Spinners?

For India to reverse their fortunes, the spinners must strike when the iron is hot. With the surface likely to break down further and rain likely to spice things up, the onus lies on Jadeja and Ashwin to produce a spin masterclass and force New Zealand into submission.

As the innings progress, India must exploit every crack and crease to shift the tide of the game. Day 3 at Bengaluru may well be a make or break juncture; one that could swing like a pendulum, depending on who capitalises first.