Can’t change wicket, but we’ll find a way to adapt: Daryl Mitchell ahead of Pune Test against India

Pune prepares unique pitch for New Zealand, but Daryl Mitchell remains unfazed, focusing on adapting and contributing to the team.

Pune is set to prepare a bald, low-bounce black-soil pitch to counter New Zealand's seamers, who had led their first Test win in India in 36 years in Bengaluru.

However, Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand isn't too worried about the pitch. After New Zealand finished their first practice session by noon on Tuesday (October 22, 2024), the groundstaff trimmed some grass off the pitch, and it might be completely shaved before the second Test.

"One thing we can't do is we can't change the surface," Mitchell said, as per quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "So for us, it's reacting to what's coming at us and adapting on the fly. We as Kiwis, that's what we pride ourselves on, we get stuck into the moment, we stay where our feet are and we be as present as possible. We can't change the wicket. What will be, will be. But I'm sure we'll come up with a plan and find a way to take 20 wickets and hopefully score a few runs as well," he added.

Mitchell, known for his proactive approach against spin, including stepping out, sweeping, and reverse-sweeping, has been struggling for form. Since scoring a century against Sri Lanka in Christchurch last year, he has only managed 406 runs in nine innings at an average of 27.06, which is nearly 20 points below his career average of 46.08 in Test cricket.

Nonetheless, Mitchell isn't overly concerned. "Look, that's the nature of the game that we play, especially Test cricket," he said.

"You know, you have little patches where you score a lot of runs and you have patches where I guess you get starts and you want to keep trying to convert. So, look, for me, I just love playing for New Zealand. It means a hell of a lot to pull on that baggy and play Test cricket. And I know that if I keep doing my job for the team, then personal milestones and things like that will take care of themselves," he added, as per quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

With Kane Williamson still out due to a groin strain, Will Young will continue at No.3. Young had formed an unbroken 75-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra in the fourth innings, helping New Zealand chase down a target of 107 after Jasprit Bumrah had dismissed Tom Latham and Devon Conway in a brilliant spell.