Kiwis seek profit on result wicket (24 December 1998)

24 December 1998

Kiwis seek profit on result wicket

By D J Rutnagur in Wellington

FOLLOWING a complete washout of the first Test in Dunedin, the second, starting here on Boxing Day, is crucial to the outcome of the three-match series between New Zealand and India.

A decisive result is more likely to be obtained at Basin Reserve than in the final Test at Hamilton's Trust Bank Park, where the pitch is slow. More than half the 32 Tests played at the Basin have yielded a winner.

History and form favour a New Zealand victory. India won the first Test they played here, in 1967-68, but were beaten in 1975-76 and 1980-81. It is true that the day-night limited-overs match, which filled the blank fourth day at Dunedin, was an exhibition. It was, though, strongly indicative of form and morale.

New Zealand's batting was refreshingly jaunty, piling up a total of 304 from 50 overs. On a good pitch, India's bowling was quickly overpowered and remained uncontrolled and subjugated.

The Indian bowling was also quite innocuous in the two four-day provincial matches leading up to the aborted Test. Except for Anil Kumble, who had match figures of eight for 82 in the second of them - against Wellington - none of their main bowlers asked the opposition any searching questions.

The bluntness of their pace attack against Wellington must have been particularly disconcerting to the Indians, for they bowled first on a pitch that was fiery from being damp. Lift and lateral movement were readily available.

However, the ball began to turn on the third day of that match and if there is a hint that the Test pitch is likely to play the same way, India should consider including their spinner, Harbhajan Singh, rather than pick either Robin Singh Jnr or Debasish Mohanty as a third seamer behind Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad.

Even Srinath and Prasad, who were a formidable combination on India's last tour of England and again in South Africa two winters ago, look well below their best. Srinath, who was also a match-winner against Australia in March, has not found his rhythm and Prasad, following his shoulder injury, looks plain.

New Zealand are unlikely to play a spinner besides Daniel Vettori unless the pitch is exceptionally dry, which it is unlikely to be in cool and rainy weather. They had planned to play four seamers in Dunedin and they will stick with that policy.

Simon Doull, who pulled out of the squad for the first Test through injury, is included in the 13 for the second and will have to pass a fitness test before he is considered. If he is not ready, Shayne O'Connor will take his place.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)