The second Test between Team India and New Zealand will commence on Thursday (October 24) at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The visiting team is high on confidence after beating the hosts comfortably by eight wickets in the opening match last Sunday and taking an early 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Things went south for India from the very beginning in the first Test after their captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and opted to bat in overcast and damp conditions. India were bundled out meekly for just 46 in the first innings and scripted an unwanted record of their lowest total at home. New Zealand batters then scored 402 runs in their first innings, complementing the bowlers' efforts and putting their team in the ascendancy.
India made a comeback in the contest with a fighting batting performance in the second innings by scoring 462 runs. However, it was not sufficient as New Zealand chased down 107 with ease on Day 5 and won the match by eight wickets.
Fans are awaiting the second Test in anticipation of a comeback from the home team after suffering a disappointing defeat in the first Test. They expressed their anticipation by sharing hilarious memes on X and Instagram.
Here is a collection of the best memes:
"It becomes a lottery if you prepare a rank turner"- Aakash Chopra ahead of second Test between India and New Zealand 2024
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra recently previewed the second Test between India and New Zealand in a video on his YouTube channel. He claimed that the Pune pitch is set to be a slow turner, without much bounce and helpful for spinners from the outset. Chopra said:
"I have heard it will be a slow turner, which will not have much bounce. When the match might have been unfolding there (in Bengaluru), the curator here might have been told to put less water, use the grass mower, remove the grass, and prepare a pitch that helps the spinners."
He continued:
"My small suggestion and request is that you shouldn't prepare a rank turner because it becomes a lottery if you prepare a rank turner. If you play five days on a decent surface, your spin is better. However, if you give a rank turner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips will make your life difficult. They will play Mitchell Santner instead of three fast bowlers."
Do you agree with Aakash Chopra's views above? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.
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