Even pitches fall sick ahead of a big game. This was proved as ahead of the second Test, the curators of the New Zealand pitches have a tough job on their hands.
The pitch in McLean Park in Napier is apparently afflicted by a case of fungus that has killed the grass, at least partly, rendering New Zealand coach Andy Moles’ aspirations for a green tinged pitch null and void.
Now apparently the pitch is being prepared taking the better half of the pitch and cojoining it within the surrounding surface that compromised the pitch for a previous one day international to ensure a good pitch in Napier for the second Test between India and New Zealand after India won the first Test comprehensively.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori also has other problems. Jacob Oram will in all likelihood not feature in the second Test as well and it means that Iain O’Brien, suffering a side strain, and Daniel Flynn, with an injured hand, will still be a part of the playing eleven.
India is likely to go unchanged into the second Test with the only perhaps change, Munaf Patel, has proved himself up to the task as the skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni employed him in short bursts to good effect.
While the onus is on the hosts to prove their mettle and comeback in the three Test series, India shares an equal burden in that they have a challenge in front of them to not only repeat their feats on the first Test after winning their first Test in New Zealand in 33 years but also, of not letting the initiative slip after winning the first Test abroad.
