10.31am “The main pitch, bowler’s area at each end and the areas around wide long-on and long-off are all covered,” says Ashish Pant from the Chinnaswamy.
10.27am It’s begun drizzling and the covers are being brought on. Gambhir is seen having a chat with Rahul at India’s dressing room. You can also follow ESPNcricinfo’s commentary in Hindi here
Ghaffar: “This New Zealand bowling attack will challenge India throughout series, They just need Kane Williamson to get fit.”
Shiva Jayaraman: Bat-first conditions? Rarely have a team looked so ill at ease like India, today, in home conditions in recent times. India batters played 24 false shots in their first-ten overs for a mere 60% control. At this stage, England at Lord’s against South Africa in 2022 – sent in to bat first by visitors on that occasion – is the only instance where the control percentage for the home team while batting first has been lower. England managed 165 in that innings, thanks to a chancy 73 from Ollie Pope. India would hope for similar luck for one of their batters in these conditions.
Harish: “@Vikas – Chose to bat as the movement is just for any hour or so and the pitch is dry only. 3 Spinners based on Chinnaswamy pitch and history. TBH, its good for India to have a taste of these challenging conditions before starting their BGT down under.”
Krishna: “I expect Daryll Mitchell to have a bowl sometime after the rain break.”
Sanjay: “I am in South Bangalore and it’s much brighter here now. So hopefully it’s just a passing shower “
Indian cricket is familiar with auction thanks to the IPL. Now Indian hockey has seen three days of intense auction for the Hockey India League. Take a look at the interesting trends which also signified the rise of Indian hockey.
O’Rourke to Pant, no run, 6’3′ bowler looking to bowl to his USP. O’Rourke is getting a fair bit of bounce on this helpful pitch and Pant, wisely, doesn’t want any of it.
