Washington Sundar Makes a Comeback
In a crucial decision, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has brought Washington Sundar back into the squad after a three-year hiatus from Test cricket. Sundar, known for his all-around abilities, has impressed in the past with both bat and ball, and his return has sparked excitement. His inclusion comes after India’s defeat in the Bangalore Test, where the team’s batting struggled in the first innings, getting bowled out for a mere 46 runs.

Sundar’s last Test appearance was in 2021, and his consistent performances in domestic and international cricket have earned him a spot back in the team. While it remains unclear whether Sundar will make it into the playing XI, his presence in the squad offers a valuable option for both bowling and batting depth.

First Test: A Wake-Up Call for India
The first Test match in Bangalore was a tough lesson for India. After a poor start in the first innings, where they were bowled out for just 46 runs, India found themselves chasing a huge New Zealand total of 402. Despite a valiant fightback with 462 runs in the second innings, the first-innings deficit left India with a small target to defend. New Zealand successfully chased down the 107-run target with ease, losing only two wickets in the process.

With the series now at 1-0 in favor of New Zealand, India heads into the second Test with a must-win mindset. Rohit Sharma and his team will be keen to make the right changes to the lineup and give their best performance to even the series.

Key Questions for the Second Test
As India prepares for the second Test in Pune, several key questions arise. Will Washington Sundar get a spot in the playing XI, and if so, whose place will he take? While there is no official word yet on whether anyone will be dropped, Sundar’s inclusion could shake up the current lineup, giving India a strategic advantage.

The Indian team is expected to make adjustments after the underwhelming performance in the first Test, particularly in the batting department. The addition of Sundar may strengthen India’s lower-middle order and provide more stability with his ability to score crucial runs and bowl economically.

Looking Ahead: Can India Bounce Back?
For India, the second Test in Pune offers a chance at redemption. With Washington Sundar’s inclusion, the team hopes to bolster its strength and performance in both the bowling and batting departments. India’s ability to recover from the first Test’s loss will hinge on improved batting performances, strategic bowling changes, and seizing crucial moments during the match.

With the series at stake, all eyes will be on the Indian team’s selection for the second Test. Will Sundar get his much-anticipated chance in the playing XI? And can India bounce back to level the series against a strong New Zealand side? Cricket fans across the nation are eagerly awaiting the answers.

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First Test Match Postponed by Rain: Originally scheduled to begin on Wednesday, the first Test match faced delays due to rain, leading to the cancellation of the first day. However, the weather has improved, and play is set to resume today, much to the relief of players and fans alike.

To accommodate the lost time, the timings for the remaining days have been adjusted. Here are the revised session timings for the match:

• Morning Session: 9:15 AM – 11:30 AM
• Afternoon Session: 12:10 PM – 2:25 PM
• Evening Session: 2:45 PM – 4:45 PM

Test Squads: Both teams have assembled their strongest squads for this crucial series. Here’s a look at the Test line-ups:

India Test Squad:

• Rohit Sharma (captain)
• Yasavi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• KL Rahul
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
• Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Akshar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammad Siraj

New Zealand Test Squad:

• Tom Latham (captain)
• Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper)
• Mark Chapman
• Devon Conway
• Matt Henry
• Darryl Mitchell
• Will O’Rourke
• Ajaz Patel
• Glenn Phillips
• Rachin Ravindra
• Mitchell Santner
• Tim Southee
• Kane Williamson (not available for the first match)
• Jacob Duffy
• Will Young
• Michael Bracewell (first Test only)
• Ish Sodhi (not available for the first match)

Where to Watch: Fans can catch all the action of the India-New Zealand Test series live on Sports18. Additionally, the matches will be available for free streaming on the Jio Cinema app.

Test Series Schedule:

• First Test: October 16 to 20 (Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru)
• Second Test: October 24 to 28 (MCA Stadium, Pune)
• Third Test: November 1 to 5 (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)

As both teams aim to establish dominance, this Test series promises to be an exhilarating showdown. Cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as they witness history unfold on the pitch!

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