For first time, players announce schedule of India-New Zealand series

NEW DELHI: Indore is set to host its first-ever Test during the three-match series against New Zealand in September-October as India's top cricketers, in a unique way, today announced the full schedule of the tour that will kick start the team's home season. Skipper Virat Kohli announced on his twitter handle that the first Test will be played at the Green Park stadium in Kanpur from September 22-26. Batsman Ajinkya Rahane revealed that the second Test will be held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore from September 30-October 4, while the iconic Eden Gardens has been given the third and final Test from October 8-12, according to seamer Mohammad Shami's tweet. "The land of great Syed Mushtaq Ali will host its 1st ever Test Match. Indore is waiting 4 the moment. #IndvNZ 2nd Test Match starts Sept 30," Rahane wrote on his twitter handle. While Kohli said, "TeamIndia will begin the home season at one of the oldest venues in the country - KANPUR vs. @BLACKCAPS #IndvNZ 1st Test starts Sept 22." Dharamsala will host the first of the five ODIs on October 16, while Delhi (October 19), Mohali (October 23), Ranchi (October 26) and Visakhapatnam (October 29) will organise the other matches. Through his twitter account, newly appointed head coach Anil Kumble urged fans to turn up for the final One-day International in the port city of Visakhapatnam. "Vizag is all set to host the final ODI of the series against Kiwis #IndvNZ on Oct 29. Turn up at the stadium and support #TeamIndia @BCCI," Kumble said. India vs New Zealand schedule: 1st Test: Sept 22-26 Kanpur 2nd Test: Sept 30-Oct 4 Indore 3rd Test: Oct 8-12 Kolkata 1st ODI: Oct 16 Dharamsala 2nd ODI: Oct 19 Delhi 3rd ODI: Oct 23 Mohali 4th ODI: Oct 26 Ranchi 5th ODI: Oct 29 Visakhapatnam.