Stead: Adapting to Mumbai Conditions Crucial for NZ's Whitewash Aspirations

New Zealand's chances of achieving a historic series whitewash in India will hinge on their ability to adapt to the Mumbai pitch, coach Gary Stead has said.

The tourists secured a dominant eight-wicket victory in the series opener in Bengaluru and followed up with a 113-run win in Pune, breaking India's impressive 18-series home winning streak dating back to 2012. This marks the first time India has been swept in a home series since 2000 when they lost 2-0 to South Africa.

“A series win is incredible, but we want to keep improving with each game as we face new conditions,” Stead told New Zealand media. He added that another victory would enhance the Black Caps' chances of reaching the World Test Championship final next year.

However, Stead acknowledged the challenge of acclimatising to the red clay pitch at Wankhede Stadium after playing on black soil in their previous matches. “The red clay is very different, so we need to adapt quickly,” he noted, emphasising the importance of the next two training sessions. “One more win would certainly help us in the WTC.”

New Zealand, the 2021 WTC champions, currently sit fourth in the standings and must secure wins against India and England in three upcoming tests at home to boost their chances of finishing in the top two. Stead recalled that during their previous successful WTC campaign, they needed to win four consecutive tests, which they achieved. “Hopefully, we can lean on that experience and aim for something special again,” he said.

The third test is set to begin in Mumbai on Friday.