Tue Oct 15 14:03:05 UTC 2024: ## India likely to field three pacers against New Zealand in Bengaluru Test
**Bengaluru, October 15, 2024:** India is set to field three pacers in the first Test match against New Zealand, starting on October 16, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The decision comes after the pitch was prepared with a green cover, promising good bounce and movement for fast bowlers.
This strategy follows the team’s recent success against Bangladesh, where they deployed a similar bowling attack. Despite the Chennai pitch’s natural spin-friendly nature, India opted for a pace-friendly surface in the first Test. This move is likely an eye towards the upcoming tour of Australia, with the team focusing on developing the pace bowling attack.
The decision could result in India playing with three pacers and two spinners in the first Test. The last Test match held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2022 saw a dominant display of pace bowling, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 8 wickets against Sri Lanka. Additionally, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, both RCB players, possess a good understanding of the Chinnaswamy wicket.
While the team composition remains under wraps, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has hinted at assessing the pitch conditions on Tuesday before finalizing the playing XI.
The upcoming series comes at a crucial juncture for New Zealand, who are battling a spin-bowling crisis after losing 37 wickets to spinners in their recent tour of Sri Lanka. This could prompt the Kiwis to include another spinner in their squad.
The first Test promises a captivating contest, with India likely to unleash a fiery pace attack against a struggling New Zealand side.
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