What to Expect from Day 1 of IND vs NZ 1st Test in Bengaluru?

IND vs NZ 1st Test will kick-off on October 16 [Source: @BCCI, @ICC/x.com]IND vs NZ 1st Test will kick-off on October 16 [Source: @BCCI, @ICC/x.com]

As India gears up to face New Zealand in the first Test at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium starting Wednesday, October 15, ominous clouds hover over both teams’ preparations. With rain likely to disrupt play, both sides will need to bring their best game — and patience — as they counter potentially slippery conditions and a pitch that promises a bit of everything.

Here’s a look at what to expect on Day 1 of the IND vs NZ 1st Test:

Weather Woes Threaten a Start-Stop Affair

With a wet October in full swing, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms and heavy rain for the first two days of the match. If these predictions hold, fans may witness a start-stop contest that keeps ground staff on their toes on Day 1.

The weather will test both sides’ adaptability and patience, as a stop-and-go rhythm could disrupt batting form and test the bowlers' stamina. With the IMD reporting a 70-90% chance of rain on Day 1, the game could be anyone’s guess.

India’s Spinners in Focus

India’s choice of bowlers could be crucial on this surface. While the M Chinnaswamy pitch generally favours batting on the first day, it is also known to aid seamers early on before spinning into action as the Test progresses.

Ravichandran Ashwin is unlikely to be benched, given his experience and precision. His potential pairing with either Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja, both adept at exploiting worn tracks, could turn the screws on New Zealand in the latter stages of the game.

India’s pacers — Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and possibly Akash Deep — will aim to capitalize on the initial bounce and swing that Bengaluru’s fresh surface offers. While the batting-friendly nature of the pitch favours stroke play, the seamers will hope to put early dents in New Zealand’s lineup.

New Zealand’s Spin Woes and Captaincy Change

New Zealand arrives in Bengaluru with a point to prove, led by newly appointed Test captain Tom Latham after Tim Southee’s departure. Their previous tour of Sri Lanka ended in a 2-0 defeat, largely due to struggles against spin, and the subcontinent’s turning tracks have often proved a thorn in the side for Kiwi batters.

With a fresh pitch at hand, however, Latham and his team will look to get their eye in early, capitalizing on India’s bowlers’ need to find rhythm in rain-hit conditions.

For New Zealand, the aim will be to survive the initial spells and counter India’s spinners once the pitch starts wearing. The overcast conditions might offer brief respite, allowing their pacers to make inroads.

Given the variable weather, they might hope to keep India guessing — a strategy that could play into their hands if they succeed in surviving the first innings.

Toss Advantage and Playing XI Scenarios

With a pitch that is expected to assist seamers early on and spin later, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first, aiming to post a substantial total on the board.

For India, a decision to rest Jadeja and bring in Axar Patel could provide an opportunity to rotate players ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series. Kuldeep Yadav, despite warming the bench, may have to wait for his chance, given Ashwin’s form and the depth Jadeja or Patel bring as all-rounders.

New Zealand, with a historical struggle against quality spin, may feel the heat if they bat second. The pressure to keep India’s spinners at bay could turn this into a trial by fire, especially if India makes early breakthroughs. 

They’ll look to keep their composure under pressure — easier said than done on a pitch that keeps bowlers interested as the game progresses.

Final Word

Day 1 will reveal which side can weather the storm — both literally and figuratively. India will hope to extend their winning streak at home, while New Zealand seeks to regain confidence on subcontinent soil.

With a pitch that offers something for everyone and clouds that threaten play, adaptability and spirit will be the name of the game. Both teams will need plenty of courage as they step onto a wet, challenging Bengaluru field for Day 1 of the series opener.