IND Vs NZ 2nd Test: Toss Delayed At Wankhede Due To Wet Outfield, Pitch Inspection At 10:30 AM | Match Preview

IND Vs NZ Mumbai Test: "We have to keep the weather and changing conditions into account while discussing combinations," Kohli said on Thursday ahead of the second Test.

New Zealand's Ross Taylor (C) and Ajaz Patel inspect the pitch as ground staff remove the covers on the eve of the second Test cricket match against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on December 2, 2021. (Image: AFP)

IND Vs NZ: With Virat Kohli coming back to the team, it will be interesting to see India's team selection for the second Mumbai Test between India and New Zealand. With Shreyas Iyer making a dream debut, it does not look plausible that the Mumbai batsman would be dropped from the side, especially on his home ground. 

The toss at the Wankhede that was supposed to be done at 9 am has been delayed and the umpires will inspect the pitch at 10:30 am and then take a decision. The good news from Mumbai is that the sun has come out and signs are positive for the match to start. 

🚨 Update from Mumbai 🚨: The toss has been delayed. There will be a pitch inspection at 9:30 AM. #TeamIndia #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/5Uw0DKV90A

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 3, 2021

All eyes would be on how the Indian middle-order would look like. Cricbuzz reported that Cheteshwar Pujara would be dropped and Kohli would play in his place, but we will have to wait till the toss as Mumbai is witnessing untimely rainfall.

"We have to keep the weather and changing conditions into account while discussing combinations," Kohli said on Thursday

Yesterday’s rain and more overnight showers have left the Wankhede Stadium too wet for training today. The team will go to the ground this afternoon for a look around and to set up. #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/gW1Lfjbrja

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 2, 2021

Will Rain Play Spoil Sport? 

The India Meteorological Department said the rainfall was due to the likely formation of a low-pressure area over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Maharashtra coast and a western disturbance.

The first session on Day 1 of the Test match is likely to witness some rain but later on, the weather report is clear and there is hardly any sign of rain. 

Weather Update Today (via Accuweather):

Virat Kohli on Thursday said that the Wankhede pitch rewards good batting as well as good bowling and 'demands discipline'. "I know for a fact that all the bowlers, especially in red-ball cricket, they really enjoy playing at the Wankhede and bowling on this pitch, and the batsmen love it (as well)," he said.