Mulani sees spin opening at Brabourne as Mumbai defend 396 against Railways

Shams Mulani expects the worn areas on the Brabourne Stadium surface to become a bigger factor as Mumbai try to press their advantage against Railways.

Railways were 116 for 2 at stumps on day two, trailing Mumbai’s first-innings total of 396 by 280 runs. Mulani said the wicket had become slower late in the day, with the occasional ball staying low.

“For the left-handers especially, a lot of rough has been created by the fast bowlers, and we are trying to capitalise on that,” the left-arm spinner said. He bowled alongside fellow spinner Anush in the final session, seeking to make batters play through those patches.

Mulani said batting remained manageable once players were settled, despite several Mumbai batters making half-centuries without turning them into larger scores. He expects similar conditions early on day three, particularly in the opening 30 to 40 minutes.

Mumbai’s plan, he said, is to keep runs in check long enough for pressure to force mistakes.