Rain threatens TVS Cup opener

When the boys came out to play, the rain clouds ran away ... but that looks merely temporary. The weather - usually unbearably hot and muggy - has been the main topic of conversation in Chennai, with rains lashing the city at regular intervals over the past few days.

It was pelting down this morning, but by the time the teams came out for practice mid-afternoon, the skies had cleared and the sun was beating down with its customary vigour. Both India and New Zealand chose to concentrate on fielding drills, though the likes of Chris Cairns and Sachin Tendulkar also spent time in the nets.

The outfield, covered completely with vivid blue plastic sheets, has escaped the worst of the downpours, so unless the skies open again tonight, it's all systems go for the first game of the TVS Cup. The pitch is expected to be no different from the usual Chepauk batting beauties, although overcast conditions may play into the hands of those who can swing and cut the ball at a gentle pace.

New Zealand emerged from the Test series with their self-belief vastly enhanced, although Stephen Fleming insisted that the one-day international format would pose a completely different challenge. The loss of Nathan Astle with a knee injury has been offset by the arrival of Chris Cairns, such a talismanic figure for New Zealand in recent seasons. Fleming indicated that Cairns would be a key figure with both bat and ball, despite having bowled quite gingerly during the World Cup.

Chris Harris, another experienced campaigner, is also likely to be a crucial part of New Zealand's plans. The last time he played here - in the 1996 World Cup - Harris spanked a magnificent 130 and bowled a tidy spell, even as New Zealand were beaten in the quarter-final game by Mark Waugh's brilliance. Harris's dibbly-dobblies could trouble the batsmen, especially if overhead conditions help him.

New Zealand will most likely leave out Paul Hitchcock and Chris Nevin, with Kyle Mills and Ian Butler - still battling to get back to full fitness - tussling for the final spot.

India's problems run deeper. Though Rahul Dravid pooh-poohed the idea that India had conceded the psychological advantage at Mohali, the bowlers' lack of penetration was a serious worry. Of the pace bowlers chosen, only Ajit Agarkar has prior experience of the conditions. His matchwinning spell (4 for 34) against England in 2001-02 should ensure that he shares the new ball with Zaheer Khan, who's overdue for a decent spell. In case the conditions suggest help for the pace attack, Harbhajan Singh or Anil Kumble will make way for Aavishkar Salvi.

There has been much talk of how India have missed Sourav Ganguly's aggressive leadership. When it comes to ODIs, that's a double-whammy, because Ganguly the batsman has been India's most dependable performer in recent seasons, just as valuable as Tendulkar.

VVS Laxman, the in-form batsman, should get a call-up, with Hemang Badani pushing Mohammad Kaif for the final batting place. One man certain to play is Parthiv Patel. Though Dravid refused to say whether his wicketkeeping days are finally over, he confirmed that Patel would be playing. The team management is in no hurry to pick an XI, with the atmospheric conditions likely to have the final say.

Rain or shine, neither team will want to leave Chennai defeated, not when Australia are at the apex of the triangle. Ricky Ponting has already pinpointed Tendulkar as the danger man. He has a wonderful Test record at Chepauk, but an ordinary ODI one. What price that changing tomorrow, especially after the steady barrage of criticism in recent days?

India (from): Rahul Dravid (capt), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Hemang Badani, VVS Laxman, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Parthiv Patel (wk), Ajit Agarkar, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Murali Kartik, Zaheer Khan, Aavishkar Salvi.

New Zealand (from): Stephen Fleming (capt), Chris Cairns, Lou Vincent, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Paul Hitchcock, Brendon McCullum (wk), Kyle Mills, Chris Nevin, Jacob Oram, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.