I know its a bit too late to post a preview just a few hours running into the game tomorrow, but then I needed to do this just to summerise my thoughts before the real action begins.
India are no doubt eyeing the series victory right here, rather than allowing the kiwis any opening which can be disasterous, given the talent they boast of in this particular side. Dhoni must have discovered it in a not so pleasant manner during the closing hours of the Chirstchurch match, where the Mills and Southee partnership had threatened to sneak back into the match by almost half an hour of lusty hitting. Anything could have happened there, had Munaf not been removed from the attack by the umpire.
India did manage to win the match, but not before inflicting a sense of satisfaction and a bit of confidence into the opposition. Even after receiving the mauling in the first half, the kiwis will be taking this goodish feeling of having given India a run for their money despite of facing a staggering target.
Team India must have discussed it in their meeting........the drop catches, the sloppy ground fielding, the lack of purpose in bowling......not to forget Munaf's attitude.
It will be interesting to see if Dhoni gives him another chance.
Sachin missing out is not going to hit India too hard as they have the fire power in their line up which is not dependent on any individual any more. People are ready to stand up and be counted.
Rohit Sharma seems to be the natural replacement, but my money will be on Irfan Pathan, given the all inform batting line up already there at Dhoni's disposal.
Irfan would really bring in a nice balance into the side, especially because Rohit is unlikely to get much of a hit in the middle, unless there happens to be a bad collapse. And you don't get into a game planning for a collapse.
Dhoni would again like to call correctly at the toss and bat first, whereas Daniel Vettori would certainly be in a dilemma. If chasing is their strength, target setting has been India's strength. Just to make India a bit uncomfortable he would not really take a risk by batting first and then watching his bowlers carted all round the park helplessly. Rather he would hope to bowl first, bowl better and give themselves an outside chance with guys like Ryder and Maccullum in such kind of form.
We will have to wait and watch.
India are no doubt eyeing the series victory right here, rather than allowing the kiwis any opening which can be disasterous, given the talent they boast of in this particular side. Dhoni must have discovered it in a not so pleasant manner during the closing hours of the Chirstchurch match, where the Mills and Southee partnership had threatened to sneak back into the match by almost half an hour of lusty hitting. Anything could have happened there, had Munaf not been removed from the attack by the umpire.
India did manage to win the match, but not before inflicting a sense of satisfaction and a bit of confidence into the opposition. Even after receiving the mauling in the first half, the kiwis will be taking this goodish feeling of having given India a run for their money despite of facing a staggering target.
Team India must have discussed it in their meeting........the drop catches, the sloppy ground fielding, the lack of purpose in bowling......not to forget Munaf's attitude.
It will be interesting to see if Dhoni gives him another chance.
Sachin missing out is not going to hit India too hard as they have the fire power in their line up which is not dependent on any individual any more. People are ready to stand up and be counted.
Rohit Sharma seems to be the natural replacement, but my money will be on Irfan Pathan, given the all inform batting line up already there at Dhoni's disposal.
Irfan would really bring in a nice balance into the side, especially because Rohit is unlikely to get much of a hit in the middle, unless there happens to be a bad collapse. And you don't get into a game planning for a collapse.
Dhoni would again like to call correctly at the toss and bat first, whereas Daniel Vettori would certainly be in a dilemma. If chasing is their strength, target setting has been India's strength. Just to make India a bit uncomfortable he would not really take a risk by batting first and then watching his bowlers carted all round the park helplessly. Rather he would hope to bowl first, bowl better and give themselves an outside chance with guys like Ryder and Maccullum in such kind of form.
We will have to wait and watch.
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