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  Embattled Kiwis seek guidance from Kolkata’s Sourav Ganguly ahead of second test

Embattled Kiwis seek guidance from Kolkata’s Sourav Ganguly ahead of second test

PTI
Published : Sep 30, 2016, 12:03 am IST
Updated : Sep 30, 2016, 12:03 am IST

Troubled by the subcontinental conditions, the spin-wary New Zealanders on Thursday took tips from former India captain Sourav Ganguly who readily obliged with a batting session near the centre wicket

Troubled by the subcontinental conditions, the spin-wary New Zealanders on Thursday took tips from former India captain Sourav Ganguly who readily obliged with a batting session near the centre wicket on the eve of the second Test. The Cricket Association of Bengal chief was seen having a friendly chat with New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan and another support staff who were all ears to the former India batsman.

Ganguly quickly got into his stance and gave suggestions to play strokes through the V, and how the ball moves in these conditions. The Eden strip has been in the news after it was reported that it would not support spin.

“The ball is likely to move in the first two days and there should be turn from day three. We have got Bermuda grass that makes the wicket harder as the ball travels faster. The best part is it grows quicker and takes away the moisture,” Ganguly said.

Meanwhile, Ganguly said that the Eden Bell looks better than the historic Lord’s bell. “The bell will be rung by none other than Kapil Dev on the opening day of the match,” Ganguly, who had rung the historic Lord’s five-minute bell in 2014, said.

Kapil will become the first cricketer to ring the Eden Bell to mark the start of second Test match between India and New Zealand, which will be India’s 250th Test on home soil.

CAB has also created 250 special gold coins that would be given out to the players of both the teams and board members who come in as guests. Besides, there would also be a special carnival zone in the K and L blocks.