Ahmedabad`s grand Motera stadium is all set to host the eagerly awaited inaugural Test match between India and New Zealand beginning October 8th. The Gujarat Cricket Stadium has prepared a fresh pitch and a fast outfield for the clash between the contest between the two teams. Adequate security arrangements have been put in place to avoid any kind of untoward incident during the game. Motera Stadium, which stands witness to records being broken and history being made, is all set for the first Test of the two-match series between India and New Zealand. This is the second time that the two teams face each other on this particular ground. The last match between these two teams at Motera in 1999-2000 ended in a draw. This time around, a lot of green has been added to the ground. The pitch has also been made hard to assist the fast bowlers. The Motera ground has hosted six Test matches so far. The team that has batted first has won twice, while the team batting second has won once on this ground. Three matches have ended in a draw. The ground has been favourable to India as far as making records are concerned. It was at Motera that Sunil Gavaskar reached the landmark of completing 10,000 runs in Test cricket in the match against Pakistan in 1987. Kapil Dev also claimed his 432nd Test wicket to become the highest wicket-taker at this very ground. In 1996-97, pace bowler Javagal Srinath claimed 6 wickets for 21 runs to steer India to an unlikely victory against a strong South African team here. Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar had also blasted a double century against New Zealand in 1999-2000 at Motera. Not taking any chances, the authorities have tightened security for the match, to be played between October 8 to 12. In addition to Gujarat, teams from security agencies in Mumbai have also been called.
Statistics of the matches played on this ground point to an India win. It is believed that India can get no better ground to avenge the humiliating defeats in New Zealand.