India vs New Zealand, 2021: 2nd Test, Mumbai – Toss Report

Updated - 03 Dec 2021, 12:36 PM

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The Indian team is going up against New Zealand in the second Test of the 2-match Test series. The match will take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from December 3-7.

The first Test ended in a pulsating final day draw as the Kiwis held on to their final wicket courtesy of a 52-ball partnership between debutante, Rachin Ravindra, and Ajaz Patel. India was just one wicket away from sealing a 1-0 lead but bad light forced play to finish ten minutes early.

Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel. Image-Twitter

Coming into the second Test, Virat Kohli will return to the fold to lead the side. As confirmed by the BCCI, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ishant Sharma have been ruled out of the Test due to minor injuries. While Ishant is likely to be replaced by Mohammed Siraj, Jadeja could make way for Jayant Yadav or Suryakumar Yadav.

Shreyas Iyer is likely to keep his place in the side after a splendid outing in his debut Test. He scored a century in the first innings before following it up with a half-century, becoming the first Indian player to do so. Aside from the aforementioned changes, the team is expected to be the same.

Axar Patel, India — Axar Patel (Image: ICC/Twitter)

As for New Zealand, skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the Test owing to his elbow injury flaring up again. Tom Latham will lead the side in the second Test. After the ineffectiveness of the Kiwi spinners in Kanpur, one of the two slow bowlers might make way for Neil Wagner.