MUMBAI: The Wankhede Stadium is set to host a Test after almost three years when it stages the India versus New Zealand match around October-November this year, TOI has reliably learnt. New Zealand are scheduled to play three Test matches in India later this year.
Ironically, the last Test that the Wankhede Stadium, celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year, had hosted was also between India and New Zealand, in December 2021.
India had won that match by a record margin of 372 runs, skittling out the visitors for merely 62 in the first innings, but the match will always be remembered for Kiwi left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel becoming the third bowler after Jim Laker, Anil Kumble to pick all ten wickets in an innings when he took 10 for 119 in 47.5 overs during India's first innings.
With covid still around, only 25% crowds were allowed during the match. The Wankhede did stage a women's Test, between India and Australia in December last year. Mumbai hosted five games in the 2023 ODI World Cup, but didn't stage a single international game in the 2023-24 international season as non-World Cup venues were given preference by the BCCI.
