Big ask for Tendulkar & Co at windy Basin Reserve where NZ has beaten India in four Tests
Big ask for Tendulkar & Co at windy Basin Reserve where NZ has beaten India in four Tests
India may look well set to claim their first Test series win in New Zealand since 1967-68. But they have to tackle their opponents on a difficult ground the Basin Reserve.
India have lost four Tests (1975-76, 1980-81, 1998-99, 2002-03) at this windy venue after winning a Test here in 1967-68. And pro-bowling conditions have been part of the reason. The New Zealand bowlers will be more used to bowling with and against the wind and their batsmen are expected to be more sturdy when it comes to coping with the breeze which can put a batter off balance.
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Those who were part of the Indian team on the 2002-03 Test here will have fresh memories. India were shot out for 161 and 121 with Shane Bond and Darryl Tuffey doing most of the damage with their pace. If not for Zaheer Khan's five-wicket haul, New Zealand would have got a lot more than 247. They ended up winning by 10 wickets.
The first thing India will do this morning is to have a look at the pitch which is expected to have some grass on it. It's an aspect which New Zealand are hoping to take advantage of. No surprise then that New Zealand coach Andy Moles went to the Basin Reserve straight from the airport. Moles felt his team tried their best to win the previous Test in Napier but just couldn't topple the Indians. Now, he is "desperate to see some life in the wicket."
Chatfield's inputs
Fast bowler Chris Martin was at the ground and benefited from a chat with former New Zealand bowler Ewen Chatfield who told him that he should brace himself for some workload in the third Test. "You bowled 42 overs in Napier. Now you have got to be ready for longer spells. Try and bowl with the wind. If you do that, you can create havoc," said Chatfield, who drives a taxi for a living.
Looks like Martin is in for a long drive.
And a bumpy one, considering the form, focus and reputation of the Indian batsmen.
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