NZ play well as a unit: Ravi Shastri
Although the New Zealand cricket team is being considered as underdogs
compared to the Indians, the hosts have some players who can turn the
game to their team’s side at any point of time. (Also Read: NZ tour India’s harbinger of World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar)
With some
terrific limited-over games against the West Indies on their home turf,
the Black Caps must be on a high because of their individual best
performances throughout the series.
It will be a very good tour
for both sides because both these teams have got a very good home
record. New Zealand always punch above their weight at home. New Zealand
play well as a unit. They might not have any superstars in their team.
They might not have the extreme pace of South Africa but they play well
in their conditions.
There is no question that India will be much
better prepared because they have been in South Africa. The conditions
in New Zealand will be a little different pace wise, but the fact that
they were there for a month will stand them in good stead.
In
the one-day series, I would give India the edge in spite of them playing
away because they have a very good side. It is a very good fielding
side and they have got variety in their pace attack now.
I
think it will be Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, who has
been very consistent and of course there is Jesse Ryder now who will
hold the key. Taylor is still New Zealand’s best batsman without a
shadow of doubt as he showed that in the Test series against the West
Indies. He seems far more settled in the game.
All eyes will be
on Jesse Ryder. He is a genuine match-winner. He has come back into the
New Zealand team after a while now so it might take him some time to
settle but there is no doubt in his ability.
Among the new
names, Corey Anderson has been in news for Twenty20 cricket. There is
difference between T20 and 50-over format. You have to bat for longer
period. So, we will only know over the next week whether he is actually a
dangerous player and adapt for other formats.
The
pace attack comprising of the likes of Tim Southee, Corey Anderson,
Mitchell McClenaghan, Kyle Mills, they are all pretty much similar. I
think what the Kiwis lack is someone who can step on the gas and add
that extra pace. But then, it doesn’t matter too much in the one-day
game. What they would definitely try and ensure is that there is
something in the pitch for their bowlers. And if that happens then this
series will be exciting. If you play on flat tracks then New Zealand
will give away their edge of playing in home conditions.
Nathan
McCullum is a wily customer. His job will be not just to contain but to
also go for wickets. One thing in his favour is he knows how the Indians
bat. He knows that they will go after him but then it gives him a
chance to pick up wickets as well. You don’t want the opposition just
blocking out the spinner and get five runs per over off him. I would
rather give those five runs in an over and pick up a couple of wickets.
Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor are the real danger players as far as India are concerned.
(As told to Prajakta Pawar)
source: bcci.tv
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