Adapting to pitch key to NZ hopes of whitewash, says Stead

New Zealand’s chances of delivering a famous series whitewash in India will depend on how well they adapt to the Mumbai pitch, coach Gary Stead said. The last time India were blanked in a home series was in 2000 when they lost 2-0 to South Africa. “A series win in itself is incredible, but what we want to do is keep trying to get better every game, and we’re going to different circumstances now,” Stead said. Another victory would improve the Black Caps’ chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final next year. However, Stead highlighted the challenge of getting accustomed to the Wankhede Stadium’s red clay pitch after playing on black soil surfaces in the two opening victories. “The red clay is very different, so we’re going to have to adapt quickly,” he said. “Our next two trainings are going to be important but for the WTC itself, there’s no doubt one more win would certainly help us.” New Zealand, who won the WTC title in 2021, are fourth in the standings and must beat India and overcome England in three Tests at home next month to boost their hopes of finishing in the top two. “The first time we were in the situation of qualifying for the first WTC final, we had to win four Tests on the bounce and we managed to,” Stead said.