da luck： New Zealand can expect a "sporting wicket" for their second Test against India, which will be held at Mohali from October 18-22
Wisden Cricinfo staff05-Sep-2003New Zealand can expect a "sporting wicket" for their second Test against India, which will be held at Mohali from October 18-22. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Test match organising committee, IS Bindra, president of the Punjab Cricket Association, said: "For the first two days it should help seamers; on the third and part of the fourth day it should be a batsman’s dream, and for the rest of the match spinners should enjoy bowling on the wicket."Bindra also informed that infrastructure in the stadium would be spruced up before the match. “A video-replay screen will become operational by October 10 and a world-class gymnasium will be commissioned before the match. We have also imported aeration machines so that the outfield is not very hard and the player gets a cushioning effect while fielding.”Mohali hosted its first Test in 1994-95, and on a seaming pitch, West Indies’ fast bowlers ran amok as India were thrashed by 243 runs. The track has since become more batsman-friendly, producing two draws in the last three matches, including one which involved New Zealand in 1999-2000.New Zealand arrive in India on September 23, and will play two Tests and a triangular one-day tournament, also involving Australia. The first Test will be held at Ahmedabad, from October 8-12.