In Mumbai, where the red soil of the Wankhede pitch promises a little more pace and bounce, India may require some extra overs from their pacers in the final Test versus New Zealand beginning on Friday.

There’s also a possibility of rain interrupting proceedings in the Test. Till at least Day I, there’s forecast of rain. Conditions, thus, could bring pacers more into play.

Fast bowling has been one of India’s strengths over the last few years. That said, Ishant Sharma’s form hasn’t been too inspiring of late and that could be a concern, especially with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami rested for this series.

Spearhead of India’s Test attack for quite some time, Ishant has had little game time with the previous Test in Kanpur being the only competitive match he has played in over three months. Prior to that, the Headingley Test versus England, where India suffered an innings defeat, was his last appearance.

Wicketless since then, minor niggles have also bothered Ishant, who, at 33, isn’t getting any younger. The Indian team management does have the option of bringing in Mohammed Siraj, but as of now, they seem to be keeping faith in their senior-most pacer.

“He (Ishant) hasn’t played much for a long time. He wasn’t there in the IPL nor the T20 World Cup, and that makes a difference,” bowling coach Paras Mhambrey explained.

“So yes, we are working on it. Having said that, he has enough experience under his belt and that makes a huge difference having him in the dressing room.

“Also, it’s an opportunity for other bowlers to spend some time with him and understand the nuances of fast bowling. He’s a great help.”

Mhambrey believes a couple of more matches should help Ishant regain his rhythm. “We’ll work regarding his rhythm and we’re aware of it.

“What he needs is a couple of games under his belt to get his rhythm going. He will then be back to his best, I’m sure,” Mhambrey, who played two Tests and three ODIs, asserted.

Umesh’s spell

Conditions in Kanpur weren’t ideal for the quicks but Umesh Yadav was able to impress with the reverse swing he obtained, dismissing New Zealand captain Kane Williamson in the first innings and bowling a probing line to him in the second.

“There was one spell when he troubled Kane very much, which was a big positive. On that kind of a surface (at Green Park), he created those opportunities for us. He put pressure on Kane so that others could rally around him. That was a special spell,” Mhambrey said.

“We wanted someone to put his hand up. He said, ‘I’m going to try’, and he tried his best, especially in the second innings.”