New Zealand will directly take the field for the second Test, starting today, after rain hampered their preparations. Kane Williamson & Co were largely confined to their hotel except for a visit to the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday evening to get a feel of the venue and get a glimpse of the pitch.

Team India meanwhile, chose to hit the indoor nets at the Bandra Kurla Complex on Thursday morning. The Kiwis did not train indoors as their team management felt that the venue was not “deemed to be within our bio-bubble.” India had a full team net session after getting an assurance from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that all the net bowlers at the indoor academy had tested negative for COVID-19. “We got our pool of net bowlers tested for COVID-19 as we felt that the Indian team might require their services. So, the Indian team have practised in a very safe environment,” an MCA source told mid-day.