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The first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru witnessed a stunning upset as India suffered a humiliating defeat, bowled out for their lowest-ever Test total at home – a paltry 46 runs. The match starkly highlighted India's misjudgment of the pitch conditions and the effectiveness of New Zealand's pace attack in exploiting them. The pitch, which had been under covers for nearly two days, presented unexpected bounce and seam movement, leaving the Indian batsmen struggling to adapt.
India's decision to field three spinners proved to be a costly blunder. The team's captain, Rohit Sharma, admitted that he misjudged the pitch and expected it to be flatter than it turned out to be. Meanwhile, New Zealand, sensing an opportunity, opted for three pacers, a decision that paid off handsomely. Their bowlers, led by Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Will O'Rourke, consistently troubled the Indian batsmen with their precise line and length, making it difficult for them to score runs.
The Indian batsmen, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, failed to find a rhythm against the New Zealand bowling attack. The bowlers relentlessly attacked the off stump, creating sharp bounce and seam movement, making it difficult for the Indian batsmen to counter. India's lower-order, which has often bailed them out from similar situations, was unable to offer any resistance on this occasion. New Zealand's bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length, forcing the Indian batsmen to play defensively, leading to their early dismissals.
New Zealand's bowlers, particularly Matt Henry, who picked up a five-wicket haul, made the most of the favorable conditions. Henry's ability to generate sideways movement put immense pressure on the Indian batsmen. He bowled with accuracy and discipline, consistently hitting the right lengths, making it difficult for the Indian batsmen to play shots with confidence. Henry's performance was a testament to his ability to adapt to different conditions and his commitment to his craft.
The Indian team, despite their recent successes in Test cricket, were caught off guard by the unexpected pitch conditions in Bengaluru. Their misjudgment at the toss and their inability to adapt their tactics cost them dearly. This defeat serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of accurate pitch assessment and the need to select a balanced team that can adapt to different playing conditions. The match highlights the unpredictability of Test cricket and the importance of making the right decisions at crucial moments.
Looking ahead, India will need to learn from this defeat and make necessary adjustments to their approach in order to remain competitive in the World Test Championship. They will need to focus on their pitch reading abilities and ensure that they select the right bowling combination for different playing conditions. India's upcoming matches in the World Test Championship will be crucial, and they will need to perform at their best if they are to remain in contention for the title.
Source: India misread conditions, trip up against stern examination