Overview

• Multiple outlets citing ESPNcricinfo report a patchy Arun Jaitley Stadium surface with a black-soil base and scattered grass that should be batting-friendly at the start.
• As the match progresses, the pitch is expected to dry and offer increasing turn, bringing spinners to the forefront.
• The forecast marks a sharp contrast with Ahmedabad’s even, grass-covered red-soil track that rewarded seam movement on the opening day.
• India leads the two-match series 1-0 after an innings-and-140 win powered by centuries from KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja, plus incisive pace bowling from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
• The second Test is scheduled to begin on October 10 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.