Bracewell expecting spin test

New Zealand aiming to bounce back in Bangalore

Last updated: 30th August 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bracewell expecting spin test

Doug Bracewell: New Zealand seamer expecting a dry wicket

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New Zealand seamer Doug Bracewell is expecting another trial by spin in the second Test against India despite wet weather in the build-up offering hope of assistance for the tourists.

The Black Caps were spun out in the first Test, with 18 of their 20 wickets falling to the slow bowlers as they crashed to an innings and 115-run defeat.

Ravichandran Ashwin snared 12 wickets, with fellow finger spinner Pragyan Ojha taking a further six, but their dominance may not be replicated in Bangalore this week.

Monsoonal conditions in the lead-up to the match have left a healthy covering of grass the Chinaswamy Stadium pitch and led groundsman Narayan Raju to admit there could be assistance for the Kiwi seamers.

Despite that Bracewell expects the grass cover to be removed before Friday's opening day and, while conceding his side may gain some benefit, revealed they were preparing for another all-out spin attack as they bid to level the two-Test series.

"Obviously we don't face as much spin back home as we do in the sub-continent," he said.

"There's a lack of spinners back home. But there are a few guys there and a few young guys coming through, so that's always good.

Wicket

"We have looked at the wicket, there's a bit of grass over there at the moment, but I'd say they'll definitely shave it off.

"They'll probably get it as dry and take as much of the grass on it as possible off. But at the moment it looks quite nice and I think the overcast weather is also helping us and if it stays like this, it might work into our favour a little bit."

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni revealed he had asked Raju to prepare a turning wicket but knows the conditions mean his side will have to be wary of New Zealand's new-ball attack.

"New Zealand is a good bowling side and will come up with good bowling plan by exploiting the overcast conditions at Chinnaswamy stadium," he said.

"The first spell will be really crucial for both sides.

"Indian batsmen have to negotiate their pace and they have to get as many wickets as possible."