Bounce and turn await India, West Indies at Wankhede

The Wankhede Stadium track will be unlike the slow and low pitches seen in the first two Tests between India and the West Indies at Delhi and Kolkata, which drew a lot of criticism, and the bounce would be consistent throughout the match, said pitch curator Sudhir Naik.

"It is a sporting track. There is some grass on it. On the first three days it will assist the seamers and will help the spinners on the fourth and fifth day. Even the West Indies bowlers would love bowling here," said Naik.

The third Test starts on November 22-26.

"There will be some nip in the morning and the breeze is also likely to help bowlers in the post-tea session," added Naik, who had prepared the much-praised wicket for the World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka on April 2.

According to Naik, the average first innings score is likely to be at least 350-400 if India bat first.     "The average score would be at least 350-400 if India bat first. However, I cannot say the same about the West Indies team because their batting seems to be a little weak.

"There will be good bounce throughout the match and the ball will come on nicely on to the bat. If batsmen like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar get going, they are likely to score big runs," he said.

Tendulkar is on the threshold of completing a coveted 100 centuries in international cricket. He is one short of the target and expectations are high he would achieve it at his home ground.

The pitch is different from the one which was used for the One-dayer against England last month, Naik added.