Top 5 learnings for India from the New Zealand Test series

#1 Kanpur pitch provides the template

The Kanpur surface provided an ideal balance between bat and ball (Image Courtesy: BCCI)

When any Test series in India gets underway, the focus becomes inevitably sharpened towards the nature of pitches on offer. Undeniably, the surfaces against South Africa last year went too far in supporting the Indians’ cause and deservedly attracted scrutiny across the cricket world.

With their primary strength being spin, providing reasonable conditions to the opposition without minimising the home advantage becomes a necessity.

However, the pitches throughout this series were optimal in terms of providing a balance between bat and ball, with the Kanpur curators meriting additional praise for presenting an ideal surface for both batsmen as well as spinners.

With the second Test at Eden Gardens also assisting the seam bowlers, India’s dominance over the Kiwis successfully endured the test of conditions. The ground-staff for the venues participating in the England series would do well to take a leaf out of those involved in this series.