NAGPUR, Nov. 19: Against expectations, New Zealand have more than held their own against the world’s top-ranked Test team. For India, this series has been about anything but domination.
With rankings thus nullified and the art of preparing sporting tracks gaining a new connotation, the third and deciding Test of a lazy series moves to Nagpur. The weather gods could end up having the final say here as heavy showers continue to lash the city and inadequate covers have only added to the problem and hampered final practice sessions.
The weather at Nagpur has been as hazy as a government deal; nothing is clear and it is difficult to predict the toll it will have on the Test. Rains gnawed into crucial practice time before a brief spell of sun allowed a short session of practice for both sides.
The wicket from a distance wore a green look, but not enough to suggest a result in tearing hurry. Moisture on the surface can be a factor if the team bowling first has the knack to optimise conditions.
Success in India has usually been heralded by visiting bowlers who have been able to take the surface out of the equation with air speed, cunning seam, and in case of spin, mix of trajectory coupled with other classic essentials. It has been a similar tale for the hosts too. Lack of potency from both sides has ensured batsmen with bloated averages and two drawn Tests.
It has been a difficult series for bowlers. Not much can change on that overnight. For batsmen brought up in conditions that engage bounce consistently, the visitors have done well to stay low to counter the lack of bounce.
Eradicating the usual error of standing tall to spin has reaped rich rewards for the visitors.
The biggest worry for India will be the rhythm they carry to South Africa. It will be a severe test there.