India brace for another spin trial in must-win third Test

Mumbai, Oct 31: Pushed to a corner like never before, India face their biggest challenge at home when they clash with New Zealand in the must-win third Test as they are left to salvage pride and fight a perception about their diminishing ability to negotiate quality spin attack.India could be treading a thin line between bravado and desperation while going for the jugular on a rank turner in the final game of the series, starting Friday.After losing their first home series in 12 years, India need to win the Wankhede Test to remain in contention for a slot in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.With six Tests remaining in the 2023-25 cycle, two-time runner-up India will need to win at least four more to have another crack at the WTC trophy.A turner in Pune exposed the soft underbelly of Indian batters’ technique against slow bowling but as per the current team’s philosophy, it has decided to take the bull by its horn by asking for a turner where the ball might turn at right angles from first hour. Another three-day finish is on the cards.Calling 20 odd slow bowlers for net practice, cancelling optional sessions and drawing white lines to understand the lines and gauge the length are signs of panic being set among rank and file after being 0-2 down.