3 Dec 2021

Will Neil Wagner get to play in Mumbai?

6:34 am on 3 December 2021

The Black Caps may consider playing an extra seamer in the second Test against India starting in Mumbai today.

Neil Wagner celebrates

Neil Wagner Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The New Zealanders held on for a draw in the opening game as they played two specialist spinners, Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville.

However the Wankhede Stadium wicket is expected to be a little more pace friendly.

Indian captain Virat Kohli, who returns after missing the first part of the tour, says it's a typical Wankhede wicket.

"It will have bounce and carry thanks to a red-soil base."

Also rain in the build-up could mean it may not be as dry as normal, both sides have been unable to train on the ground because of the weather.

Neil Wagner then comes into calculations as the third pace bowler after Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson.

If included Wagner, who played two tests in India in 2016, is likely to replace Somerville.

There isn't expected to be any change to the batting lineup with Rachin Ravindra holding onto the allrounder spot.

New Zealand have never won a test series in India, let alone a test match since the 1988/89 tour.

The top-ranked Black Caps, who beat India in a June contest in Southampton to win the inaugural World Test Championship, have a chance to make history with a win in Mumbai.

The general of  Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India.

Wankhede Stadium Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"We gained a lot out of our efforts in Kanpur," New Zealand's pace speahead Tim Southee said. "We're just looking forward to a new challenge here in Mumbai."

Meanwhile India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha has recovered from a neck problem and is available for selection for the game.

Saha was unable to don the wicketkeeping gloves on the final day of the first test in Kanpur due to a stiff neck with KS Bharat taking his place behind the stumps during the drawn test.

While Kohli's return will be a welcome boost for India's batting, it will also leave them with a selection headache.

In Kohli's absence, Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer made a dream test debut with a first-innings 105 followed by a crucial 65 in the second in Kanpur.

Calls have grown to drop either Ajinkya Rahane, who led India in Kanpur, or Cheteshwar Pujara - both of whom have been short of runs - to vacate a spot for Kohli and allow Iyer to retain his place.

-RNZ/Reuters