India tour of New Zealand 2019

[MenInG]

NZC Media Release:

Santner, Latham and de Grandhomme return for ODI series against India


The BLACKCAPS have welcomed back Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme and Tom Latham for the first three games of the five-match ODI series against India, starting in Napier next Wednesday.

Coach Gary Stead said the composition of the squad reflected the selectors’ desire to keep their options open ahead of the World Cup, while still giving themselves the best possible chance of winning the upcoming series against Virat Kohli’s tourists.

Todd Astle (knee) and Jimmy Neesham (hamstring) have not been included in the initial group of 14 and have been asked to prove their fitness in the Burger King Super Smash before being considered for the final two matches of the series.

Latham and de Grandhomme both sat out the Sri Lankan white-ball series, while Santner - who last played an ODI for the BLACKCAPS against England in Christchurch last March, produced a solid performance in last Friday’s one-off T20I against Sri Lanka at Eden Park.

Doug Bracewell, another to impress under lights on Friday evening, retains his place in the ODI squad, having not played in any of the three 50-over games against Sri Lanka.

“Our two main priorities have been to select and prepare a squad capable of winning what is shaping as a massive series against India, and gathering as much information as possible ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales,” said Stead.

“Tom and Colin are experienced players in this format and will offer quality in their respective roles, and Mitch and Doug showed us what they are capable of during the T20 on Friday night.”

Stead said that, all going well, Neesham and Astle would join the squad for games four and five.

“We were impressed by Jimmy against Sri Lanka, and are keen to see more of Todd – who has a different skillset and performed well for us last year.

“It’s just important that, after their respective injuries, we can see them playing again and be confident of bringing them back at this level.”


BLACKCAPS ODI squad v India

Kane Williamson (c)

Trent Boult

Doug Bracewell

Colin de Grandhomme

Lockie Ferguson

Martin Guptill

Matt Henry

Tom Latham (wk)

Colin Munro

Henry Nicholls

Mitchell Santner

Ish Sodhi

Tim Southee

Ross Taylor

 

[Sin Nombre]

Pretty much full strength?

India might get hammered here.

 

[AMSS]

3-2 either way if India top 3 has a middling series.

Should they go missing entirely, improbable as it sounds, expect a 5-0/4-1 thrashing. Total loss of confidence in India middle and lower order. Bowling would be serviceable at best on flat, hard surfaces and small boundaries.

 

[RyanRyan10]

NZ to win 4-1

 

[rhony]

If the pitches are going be similar to SL series, it will be bad news for India. India can't score 350 - batting first or chasing.

 

[saintgrace]

If the pitches are going be similar to SL series, it will be bad news for India. India can't score 350 - batting first or chasing.

With this middle order and missing pandya. Yes. 350 is far fetched. Hope to see competitive series which will prepare india for WC. NZ is top class team and Indian middle and lower middle order would get explosed. Indian spinning department will have more burden. Let's see how Kuldeep and Chahal perform there.

 

[ILcricket]

A series which should have NOT taken place .

 

[rhony]

With this middle order and missing pandya. Yes. 350 is far fetched. Hope to see competitive series which will prepare india for WC. NZ is top class team and Indian middle and lower middle order would get explosed. Indian spinning department will have more burden. Let's see how Kuldeep and Chahal perform there.

With no Pandya, I doubt if Chahal will play unless they play Shankar who had a great A tour here last month

 

[desi_launda]

No Bumrah means India to concede 300+ every game

 

[a_tahir]

No Bumrah means India to concede 300+ every game

Bumrah is playing the NZ odis.

 

[tinkud]

What a shame that there are no test matches in NZ? NZ is a very good team now and thoroughly deserve to host India in at least 2 test matches. I can understand the focus on the world cup in ODIs. but why have T20Is now - rather have test matches. Cut out the T20s and reduce the number ODIs to 3.

A test series would have been competitive and great to watch.

 

[saintgrace]

What a shame that there are no test matches in NZ? NZ is a very good team now and thoroughly deserve to host India in at least 2 test matches. I can understand the focus on the world cup in ODIs. but why have T20Is now - rather have test matches. Cut out the T20s and reduce the number ODIs to 3.

A test series would have been competitive and great to watch.

Not agree. If the worldcup is around the corner, the focus must be LOI not tests. Tests can wait. Worldcups come once in four year. Good that no Tests in NZ. It wont help.

 

[saintgrace]

With no Pandya, I doubt if Chahal will play unless they play Shankar who had a great A tour here last month

Pandya can be brutal on flat pitches and India would miss him as he is handlybowlder, hard hitter and above average fielder. I was not imprssed by Shankar at all,but i wont mind if he prove me wrong.

 

[The Viper]

CDG has to do well to claim the allrounder spot after Neeshams impressive series vs SL.

 

[troodon]

Pandya can be brutal on flat pitches and India would miss him as he is handlybowlder, hard hitter and above average fielder. I was not imprssed by Shankar at all,but i wont mind if he prove me wrong.

Shankar is a dud with the bat. He is at best No.9 and his bowling is even more mediocre.

India will miss Pandya for sure. Without him, the teams balance will be thrown off and will be forced to play Jadeja or Ashwin and they will get plastered for 80 runs every time they bowl.

Only interest is to see how Gill performs.

 

[Hasan123]

India's middle order could be exposed here. NZ are gun in their own conditions. Chased down 330 odd vs England after being a few wickets down early.

 

[rhony]

Shankar is a dud with the bat. He is at best No.9 and his bowling is even more mediocre.

India will miss Pandya for sure. Without him, the teams balance will be thrown off and will be forced to play Jadeja or Ashwin and they will get plastered for 80 runs every time they bowl.

Only interest is to see how Gill performs.

Gill won't play unless Rayudu flops in the 3rd ODI. Agree that Shankar is a dud. But he seems to have scored runs with the A team. India might give him a couple of ODIs at least

 

[Chokli]

What a shame that there are no test matches in NZ? NZ is a very good team now and thoroughly deserve to host India in at least 2 test matches. I can understand the focus on the world cup in ODIs. but why have T20Is now - rather have test matches. Cut out the T20s and reduce the number ODIs to 3.

A test series would have been competitive and great to watch.

You do know that there is a World Cup in June right?

 

[WengerOut]

The bigger problem is, on smaller grounds even duds can score at a 100 SR which will not be nearly enough in the context of the match but could be enough to ascertain their place in the team. Imagine Rayudu or Dhoni scoring 50(45) while chasing 360.

 

[Chokli]

1.Colin Munro
2.Martin Guptill
3.Kane Williamson
4.Ross Taylor
5.Tom Latham (wk)
6.Henry Nicholls
7.Colin De Grandhomme
8.Mitchell Santner
9.Matt Henry
10.Tim Southee
11.Trent Boult

This is a gun side, India watch out

 

[Bhaijaan]

A hammering from NZ would be the best wake up call and a blessing in disguise for India’s ODI team which is in shambles since last 2 years simply due to poor selection policy.

India easily has the most talented ODI squad in the world but they choose to pick guys like Rayudu, Jadhav, Vijay Shankar, Siddharth Kaul, Mohd Siraj etc who are just average at best.

Pant, Shaw, Iyer, Gill, Mavi, Nagarkotti etc are some phenomenal talents that are being ignored for mediocrity.

India just doesn’t seem serious enough for the World Cup. They are focused on test which is cool because it’s the only format that matters but if you have to compete in ODIs you might as well wanna try and win it instead of just sending a squad there with hopes that top3 will keep winning it.

 

[PakLFC]

With the IPL soon to follow India could have done without this tour. They are risking being burnt out for the World Cup. I think NZ will win it by the odd match.

 

[austerlitz]

This tour is extremely important.Rayudud must be brutally exposed and destroyed by boult and ferguson.Gill must rise.

 

[Stalin]

Only reason why I'm gonna be watching this series is to see hackyudu getting destroyed by Boult or Ferguson and open the door for Gill. He (latter) must play atleast 3 odis on this tour.

 

[Raja111]

What a shame that there are no test matches in NZ? NZ is a very good team now and thoroughly deserve to host India in at least 2 test matches. I can understand the focus on the world cup in ODIs. but why have T20Is now - rather have test matches. Cut out the T20s and reduce the number ODIs to 3.

A test series would have been competitive and great to watch.

India is again visiting Newzeland the same time next year for 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 5 T20s

 

[Ab Fan]

It is actually good that there are no tests this time. You just look at India's workload in last 12 months. It was just too heavy to add any test series into that.

A complete tour to South Africa, a complete tour to England (5 tests in that) and a complete tour to Australia (includes 4 tests). The workload is just too heavy. Since WC is near, now focus should be on ODIs, so playing a 5 match ODI series against another quality side, NZ, is what the need of the hour is. Btw, I forgot there was a full series vs WI at home as well. So, a NZ tour with tests including wouldn't have been the same.

At this point, focus on WC, and after that get back to your tests priority. Tests next year in NZ is great to have but felt there should have been a 3 test series, 2 is just too low. However, now focus should change to LOs for next few months.

 

[Saurav]

Only reason why I'm gonna be watching this series is to see hackyudu getting destroyed by Boult or Ferguson and open the door for Gill. He (latter) must play atleast 3 odis on this tour.

Gill won't play for Rayudu.Selector made it clear that he's just picked as reserve openr

 

[jnaveen1980]

They know how to score big in their bathrook sized grounds. Indians cannot go overboard with their attack as NZ attack is good. SUre Perera lucked his way to 140. But that is pretty much the norm in NZ. High scores are for the taking for those sticking around. Rohit sharma if he survives initial overs, wait for carnage.

 

[JattMaula]

Bumrah is playing the NZ odis.

Nope. He is resting up.

 

[ind_win]

Ind will win 3-2 I think.
Again every win is like a shot in the foot for the Indian team - glorifying the deadwood.

 

[Amjid Javed]

NZ hard to beat at home in ODIs and india one of best ODI teams in world right now, should be a cracking series.

 

[Sachin136]

Hard to predict the result. If two of the top 3 fire each match, it might be 5-0 for India. If two of them fail each match, then it might be 5-0 for NZ because of the middle order.

 

[saintgrace]

Gill won't play unless Rayudu flops in the 3rd ODI. Agree that Shankar is a dud. But he seems to have scored runs with the A team. India might give him a couple of ODIs at least

I think that Jadhav will be given opportunity in today's match vs Aus. Rayadu is not really no 4 player to me. He doesnt fit anywhere in my opinion. Jadhav at lower down and dhoni at 4 might be a good combination. Dhoni usually stabilize the innins with tuk tuk.
Agrawal, Pant, prithvi, Gill would be really good middle order followed by rohit, dhawan, kohli.

 

[saintgrace]

Hard to predict the result. If two of the top 3 fire each match, it might be 5-0 for India. If two of them fail each match, then it might be 5-0 for NZ because of the middle order.

wrong. either side can win 2 matches out of five. But winning all five is not possible for both teams. 5-0 wont happen at all.

 

[saintgrace]

Nope. He is resting up.

he should be playing.

 

[rhony]

wrong. either side can win 2 matches out of five. But winning all five is not possible for both teams. 5-0 wont happen at all.

Agree. It will be 3-2 NZ or Ind

 

[Space Cat]

Game 1: Small ground
Game 2: Big Ground
Game 3: Big Ground
Game 4: Small Ground
Game 5: Regular Size Ground

 

[hadi123]

Should be a cracking series!

 

[dani2k]

If India is able to repeat their performances in Australia by winning against a superb NZ side who are super strong at home then India could say they are ready for the world cup.

That is not going to be easy - with 325 being a par score there and NZ batsman after batsman looking to play attacking shots in post card sized grounds, I doubt we could match them in fire power (we are well stocked till 3 and it ends there - may be Pandya could qualify as well but he is not available).

Hoping for a better show in NZ this time as we have played in bouncy pitches down under. One thing is for sure though, NZ would save 25 runs on the field everytime and MSD and co are not going to get singles like how they did in OZ land..Nervous for sure!

 

[carnish]

India is going to be whitewashed again like the last time.. only rain can save them with a pathetic middle order.. get rid of Dhoni and Rayadu... Get Gill and Pant in soon

 

[Mp812]

India is going to be whitewashed again like the last time.. only rain can save them with a pathetic middle order.. get rid of Dhoni and Rayadu... Get Gill and Pant in soon

Agree : Gill and Pant should be in team and Rayudu out soon
Disagree : Dhoni should not be out of team. He will be useful in England in world cup when there is low scoring game and his tactical strategic inputs are needed.

Rayudu and Kartik need to go. Nothing personal against them. Just feel Pant and Gill , even though both are inexperienced unproved entities ate international level, they will do better than Rayudu/Gill , especially since Gill had great NZ tour as U19 star and in recent A series tour to NZ

Jadhav is a mystery wether to supported or not. He does give some decent performances in close games but in big chases most likely liability

 

[BreadPakoda]

Nope. He is resting up.

Don't tell me. Damn. Came to check this on the thread. Indian bowling is not even half interesting to watch without Bumrah

 

[BreadPakoda]

Game 1: Small ground
Game 2: Big Ground
Game 3: Big Ground
Game 4: Small Ground
Game 5: Regular Size Ground

Thanks.

 

[IndianMafia]

Expecting Shubman gill to make his debut in this series ! (And make a mark instantly )

 

[Abdullah719]

Neesham and Astle return for final two ODIs against India

Jimmy Neesham and Todd Astle have been recalled to the BLACKCAPS ODI squad, after proving their fitness in the Burger King Super Smash.

Neesham will replace fellow all-rounder Doug Bracewell, while Astle comes in for Ish Sodhi as the leg-spinner for the final two ODIs against India.

Neesham played in the three-game ODI series against Sri Lanka earlier this month before missing the one-off T20 International with a grade-one hamstring strain.

Astle was included in the ODI squad to play Pakistan in November, but was ruled out of the tour before the first match with a knee injury.

Selector Gavin Larsen said the selections were in line with the campaign plan as they aim to give opportunities to different players.

“Doug and Ish have been two of the brighter spots of the ODI series so far and we’ve been encouraged by their performances against a quality Indian side.

“It’s great to welcome back the all-round skills of Jimmy and Todd and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the series.

“We’re still looking to keep our options open with selections at this stage and ensure we continue to learn as much as we can about our players.”

Bracewell and Sodhi will be available to play for the Central Stags and Knights respectively in the upcoming rounds of the Burger King Super Smash.

BLACKCAPS ODI squad for games 4 and 5 v India
Kane Williamson (c)
Todd Astle
Trent Boult
Colin de Grandhomme
Lockie Ferguson
Martin Guptill
Matt Henry
Tom Latham (wk)
Colin Munro
Jimmy Neesham
Henry Nicholls
Mitchell Santner
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor

 

[Amjid Javed]

India rolling along like a juggernaut at moment and will take some stopping during the world cup.

 

[Banter]

Pretty much full strength?

India might get hammered here.

I guess at least the "hammered" part was right!

 

[Babbar]

Indian now has a pool of 20-25 players, any 11 of who can be in team and still perform at >90% of India’s peak. It shows the quality of the talent coming in. Even India A team that’s steamrolling England A at present, can compete with all but national teams, except may be England. A solid batter like Rayudu with Average of 50 and SR of 80 is considered below average. Jadeja, Ashwin, Mayank, Manish, Pant, Vihari still waiting on the sides.

Even Kohli’s absence may not hurt if Shubhman can play even at 50% of his potential, esp as Rohit is a good second captain (may be even better than the first) with Dhoni to guide from behind the stump.

 

[jnaveen1980]

India have been far too Good - Brutally Honest Taylor

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/crick...aylor-says-black-caps-not-good-enough-v-india

'Brutally honest' Ross Taylor says Black Caps not good enough against India

Ross Taylor admits the Black Caps "just haven't been up to it" against India.

New Zealand lost the five-match one-day international cricket series to the tourists when they fell 3-0 behind in Mount Maunganui on Monday


It was another one-sided encounter as Virat Kohli's side – in his last appearance in New Zealand this summer – triumphed by seven wickets.

"You've just got to give credit to the Indians – they've been far too good in all three matches," Taylor acknowledged.

"And we just haven't been up to it, if we're brutally honest, with bat and ball."

'We just haven't been up to it' – Black Caps lamenting ODI series loss, says Ross Taylor


With New Zealand openers Colin Munro and Martin Guptill again failing, Taylor tried to see the hosts through to a defendable total. He made 93 off 106 balls but his side was still dismissed for 243 with an over remaining that never greatly troubled India.

"We back ourselves to keep wickets in hand with the bat and we haven't been able to do that," Taylor said.

"India have put us under pressure for long periods of time and got wickets at crucial times. And in New Zealand if you're three or four down with still 25 overs to go, you're still a long way behind the game.


"We fought hard today but it just wasn't good enough."

India's spinners, the architects of their first two victories, took a back seat on Monday as Taylor and Tom Latham (51) tried to guide New Zealand through the middle overs.

"I think you've just got to be patient," Taylor said.

Already down 3-0 in the five-match series, the Black Caps are staring at clean sweep.
"You know they're going to bowl good balls; you've got to take it deep. If you lose wickets in those first two or three overs, they squeeze the new batter and it becomes very tough."

So the plan was to catch up later on with wickets in hand.

"Thats what we tried to do today ... I thought we did it pretty well for most of the time."

However, seamer Mohammed Shami shone for the tourists, taking 3-41 off nine overs while Hardik Pandya, included after his brief disciplinary trip back to India, conceded just 11 off his first five overs and ended with 2-45 from his full complement.

After romping to a series clean-sweep in three games against Sri Lanka earlier this month, the Black Caps have been comprehensively outplayed in all three outings against the form team in world cricket.

Taylor said India were obviously a step-up in opposition.

"And at the same time I think those key moments; India are winning them and putting us under pressure.

"When they've batted, we haven't been able to take those early wickets to put them under pressure and vice-versa with the bat - they've been taking those early wickets and putting us under pressure.

"The series is gone but there's still a lot of pride in the team, playing for New Zealand."

Game four is in Hamilton on Thursday.

"Hamilton has been a happy hunting ground for us as a team and obviously the World Cup is not far away, combinations to sort out."

Stuff

 

[jnaveen1980]

I like some of the comments. One comment that caught my eye reflect what we think of NZ commies. This is from a NZ fan

edeophone1
At last someone is being honest about the Black Caps. This is not about disliking Indians, (as some racist commentators seem to think) it is about bowlers who consistently send short pitched balls, fail to bowl line and length, and batsmen who consistently keep playing the same shots that got them out last time. (Our team is consistent - consistently bad)!!! All against a team that is several grades up fron Sri Lanka - and we wonder what the problem is. The NZ TV cricket commentators (who are obsessed with our world cup chances and are so boring and self opinionated, the best way to watch is with the radio commentary on) did show Guptil's batting record over several international series - abysmal - the same probably goes for half of them. So do an assesment; not performing, ditch them, and while your'e at it, lets get an internalionally recognised coach of some repute.

 

[giri26]

Knights batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and Central Stags paceman Blair Tickner have earned their maiden call-ups to the BLACKCAPS T20 squad for the three-match series against India, starting in Wellington on Wednesday.

Mitchell has been included in the squad after a strong Burger King Super Smash campaign and some solid form for New Zealand A in one-day cricket, while Tickner will join the team for the third match in Hamilton; replacing Lockie Ferguson.

Doug Bracewell, brought in as a replacement for the injured Jimmy Neesham ahead of the most recent T20 against Sri Lanka, has retained his place in the squad.

BLACKCAPS selector Gavin Larsen said Mitchell had won over the selectors on the back of impressive performances for the Knights, the most recent of which saw him smash 61 off just 23 balls against the Stags in Napier.

“Both Daryl and Blair have been rewarded for the strong form they’ve produced in domestic cricket,” said Larsen.

“They’ve been there or thereabouts for most of the season and both featured in our NZ A short-format teams.

“Daryl has shown his value with the bat and also tends to bowl at some tough times for the Knights, and Blair is well-respected among his team-mates and opponents alike as someone who bowls a heavy ball at good pace.”

Tickner will replace Ferguson for the third T20 while Trent Boult’s workload continues to be managed.

Other changes to the most recent T20 outing against Sri Lanka include the return of captain Kane Williamson in place of Henry Nicholls.

The three-game series against India will be double-headers alongside the WHITE FERNS and India women, who will play beforehand on the same pitch.

BLACKCAPS T20 squad v India
Kane Williamson (c)
Doug Bracewell
Colin de Grandhomme
Lockie Ferguson (Games 1 & 2)
Martin Guptill
Scott Kuggeleijn
Daryl Mitchell
Colin Munro
Mitchell Santner
Tim Seifert (wk)
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
Blair Tickner (Game 3)

 

[Abdullah719]

Guptill ruled out of T20 series | Neesham called in

Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 International series against India, after failing to recover from a back injury.

The BLACKCAPS opener underwent a fitness test in Wellington this morning where he continued to feel pain in his lower back.

Coach Gary Stead confirmed Guptill would return to Auckland to rest, with an eye to returning for next week’s ODI series against Bangladesh.

Guptill will be replaced in the T20 squad by Wellington Firebirds all-rounder Jimmy Neesham.

“Unfortunately Martin hasn’t recovered in time for this T20 series - which is very condensed with three games over five days,” said Stead.

“It’s a shame as he’s obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we’ve got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right.

“It’s great to have Jimmy coming into the side after some encouraging ODI performances.

“It promises to be an exciting series.”

The BLACKCAPS and India men begin their three-game series at Westpac Stadium on Wednesday at 8pm, following the WHITE FERNS against India women on the same pitch at 4pm.

BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS schedules.

BLACKCAPS T20 squad v India

Kane Williamson (c)
Doug Bracewell
Colin de Grandhomme
Lockie Ferguson (Games 1 & 2)
Scott Kuggeleijn
Daryl Mitchell
Colin Munro
Jimmy Neesham
Mitchell Santner
Tim Seifert (wk)
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
Blair Tickner (Game 3)

 

[dani2k]

If India is able to repeat their performances in Australia by winning against a superb NZ side who are super strong at home then India could say they are ready for the world cup.

That is not going to be easy - with 325 being a par score there and NZ batsman after batsman looking to play attacking shots in post card sized grounds, I doubt we could match them in fire power (we are well stocked till 3 and it ends there - may be Pandya could qualify as well but he is not available).

Hoping for a better show in NZ this time as we have played in bouncy pitches down under. One thing is for sure though, NZ would save 25 runs on the field everytime and MSD and co are not going to get singles like how they did in OZ land..Nervous for sure!

Well...I am pleasantly surprised at the result and happier that our guys got some important game scenarios ticked. Shami is a big plus as well as the likes of Rayudu, Jadhav and Karthik who have solidified their spots. With all disagreements that we see in the Indian fans, I don't think there are going to be major changes in the squad now barring injuries (fingers crossed that shouldn't happen).

Vijay Shankar throwing his hat in for a middle order slot is good news, though he should be looked at as potential replacement for Jadhav if the need arises and not Hardik.

Gill was a slight disappointment but he has time on his side and this experience would give him enough input as to where he needs to improve.

All in all, couldn't have asked for a better preparation in the last overseas tour before the biggest event of this year.

 

[bantu]

Well...I am pleasantly surprised at the result and happier that our guys got some important game scenarios ticked. Shami is a big plus as well as the likes of Rayudu, Jadhav and Karthik who have solidified their spots. With all disagreements that we see in the Indian fans, I don't think there are going to be major changes in the squad now barring injuries (fingers crossed that shouldn't happen).

Vijay Shankar throwing his hat in for a middle order slot is good news, though he should be looked at as potential replacement for Jadhav if the need arises and not Hardik.

Gill was a slight disappointment but he has time on his side and this experience would give him enough input as to where he needs to improve.

All in all, couldn't have asked for a better preparation in the last overseas tour before the biggest event of this year.

Good Post/Summary dani2k. Nice to read than the usual wrist slitting / moaning about the middle order by some of the fans

 

[Shoaib88]

This tour is extremely important.Rayudud must be brutally exposed and destroyed by boult and ferguson.Gill must rise.

well I guess it didnt go according to what you had wanted

 

[dani2k]

Good Post/Summary dani2k. Nice to read than the usual wrist slitting / moaning about the middle order by some of the fans

Thank you. I read that around 9 players have been tried in the pivotal #4 slot and Rayudu was the one who averages the most there (56 odd). So it is not that players were not given opportunities. Looks like there has been a method to the madness and the management does know something that the fans don't. Have to give the benefit of the doubt to them.

Also players like Jadhav and Karthik have delivered when the situation has demanded more often than not. All the players on the likable list of the fans are yet to deliver in those situations (whether they should have given an opportunity is a different matter and they will get such opportunities in future - all of them are young). So with the evidence in hand, we can only hope for good things with the middle order that is in place today.

 

[AMSS]

3-2 either way if India top 3 has a middling series.

Should they go missing entirely, improbable as it sounds, expect a 5-0/4-1 thrashing. Total loss of confidence in India middle and lower order. Bowling would be serviceable at best on flat, hard surfaces and small boundaries.

The Indian top 3 did have a middling series and yet the scoreline reads 4-1.

The reason was Indian bowling was much more than merely serviceable. Up front wickets from pacers put the Kiwi middle order in a muddled state of mind that was god sent for ChaKu spin duo. This is where the series was clinched.

The 4th match could be seen either as an aberration or a true state of Indian middle order as it stands today. Neutralize the top 3 and India would struggle to reach 150.

Certainly not a balanced side at all.

 

[yuvi]

The Indian top 3 did have a middling series and yet the scoreline reads 4-1.

The reason was Indian bowling was much more than merely serviceable. Up front wickets from pacers put the Kiwi middle order in a muddled state of mind that was god sent for ChaKu spin duo. This is where the series was clinched.

The 4th match could be seen either as an aberration or a true state of Indian middle order as it stands today. Neutralize the top 3 and India would struggle to reach 150.

Certainly not a balanced side at all.

It's not about strong top order, weak middle order. Our batting in swinging, seaming conditions is pathetic if we leave out Kohli. That's the big problem we need to address if we want to win consistently everywhere.

 

[AMSS]

It's not about strong top order, weak middle order. Our batting in swinging, seaming conditions is pathetic if we leave out Kohli. That's the big problem we need to address if we want to win consistently everywhere.

Yeah, no. It's not anymore pathetic than other teams. It's all relative.

 

[yuvi]

Yeah, no. It's not anymore pathetic than other teams. It's all relative.

We lost in SA and Eng test series becoz of it. It's a fact. We can blame conditions. But our batsmen were worse than the opposition.

 

[AMSS]

We lost in SA and Eng test series becoz of it. It's a fact. We can blame conditions. But our batsmen were worse than the opposition.

You are incapable of telling white ball cricket from red. I am sorry, not going to engage you further.

 

[yuvi]

You are incapable of telling white ball cricket from red. I am sorry, not going to engage you further.

My point is there will be odd occaisons like in the 4th, 5th match of the series where the ball will swing and seam. This can happen in WC in Eng also. We will collapse and get knocked out.

 

[jnaveen1980]

It's not about strong top order, weak middle order. Our batting in swinging, seaming conditions is pathetic if we leave out Kohli. That's the big problem we need to address if we want to win consistently everywhere.

I think with guys like Agarwal, Pujara (he missed a test or 2 there), Shaw could have done better than washed up Vijay and tonty-tonty hack KL Rahul. Pant can be forgiven as it was his first series ever. We are not as bad as some of the other top teams. All teams look clueless against swing bowlers ins winging conditions. England got rolled over for 58 runs against NZ in NZ. This is a T20 era where more batsmen try to feel the ball than leave it. Pujara showed the way in Australia.

 

[rhony]

It's not about strong top order, weak middle order. Our batting in swinging, seaming conditions is pathetic if we leave out Kohli. That's the big problem we need to address if we want to win consistently everywhere.

Look at the other "best" batting unit capitulating against WI in WI. It has all the ODI players and they were pathetic in 4 innings. There is NO batting unit that can face a swinging ball. Put it down to pathetic batsmanship in recent times. [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] said this in many posts and the results are for everyone to see