New Zealand v India, 2nd test, Napier, March 26-30

India should be unchanged. Munaf's bowling was really encouraging, and so was Dravid's and Gambhir's batting. Laxman is due runs and with the form Sehwag is in...

I hate Max. Highlights only once during the entire day. For only an hour as well FFS. They're more interested in showing crappy old films. And they've got Arun Lal going philosophical and who's with him? The most annoying host of all time, Charu Sharma.

India - no change
NZ - Jeetan Patel in..........but who is out?

Jeetan Patel should come in for Kyle Mills who looked dead ordinary in the first test. Jacob Oram might replace James Franklin as well.

It's ironic that the snoozers need to bring in a player of Indian origin to shore up it's bowling attack.....

I guess it is unfortunate we will not see Mishra not bowl a ball this series now that Bhajji got in some wickets. Would have liked to see Mishra bowl a couple of tests abroad to see just how good he is or whether he is good enough long term prospect.

I don't know why Oram was dropped, but he added balance to the Kiwi side and has a good record against India. He was their star player the last time we were routed in NZ in 2002-03. Think he should be recalled back to replace Mills.

Second test pitch is said to be affected by a fungus.

Now thats bit strange.

Batman wrote:I don't know why Oram was dropped, but he added balance to the Kiwi side and has a good record against India. He was their star player the last time we were routed in NZ in 2002-03. Think he should be recalled back to replace Mills.

He wasn't dropped. He was just injured....again.

SG wrote:Second test pitch is said to be affected by a fungus.

Now thats bit strange.

I believe the 'fungus' is called 'One nil down'.

Mark Richardson still sooking about pitches,

The word on the street is to expect flat batsman-friendly wickets - a knee-jerk reaction to the green ones the last time the Indians arrived.

Had NZ won the toss he might not have any problems with the Hamilton pitch.

Even if they prepare a green top India has the superior pace attack. Either way I think the Kiwis are screwed.

Henry wrote:

SG wrote:Second test pitch is said to be affected by a fungus.

Now thats bit strange.

I believe the 'fungus' is called 'One nil down'.

Does this fungus grow in the form of some very tall grass?

I wouldn't want to be in Kiwi shoes right now. Whatever they do, they're likely to pull the short stick. Even their fielding - something they were renowned for - seems to have suffered a setback.

Even if Jacob Oram were fit, I'm not too sure he'd be an asset for the team right now. They have rightly dropped him. But to include an injured O'Brien is a giveaway. They've clearly reached the end of their line as far as potential is concerned. They really need 10 Ryders and a Vettori ........

Maybe they should try out a few Maoris..........

Just read that Vettori has asked for Oram solely as a batsman. Could be used as a part time 5th bowler as well. Desperation creeps in into the Kiwi camp.

Ross Taylor needs to step up. He has as much natural talent as any young batsman in world cricket. But his average is a NZ esque 33. He's capable of mid 40's.

Ross Taylor has been absolutely disappointing till now on this tour. He flopped in the ODIs and isn't doing much better in tests as well.

The way he was cleaned up by a Ishant beauty in the 1st innings says it all.

When first I saw Taylor he looked quite a classy bat. Surprised he hasn't kicked on.

He's got Ian Bellitus (which is only marginally better than Matthew Bellitus), where he looks great, plays lovely shots all around the park, but never actually scores any runs.

Apparently, 2nd test strip is touted to be a greentop.

The Kiwi's are wrong if they think a greentop will help their cause, as India have the superior pace attack, and they'll still have a batting lineup better equipped to deal with dicey conditions than NZ's top order jokers.

SG wrote:Apparently, 2nd test strip is touted to be a greentop.

Get your news checked. Don't you know by now, when faced with a series defeat, pitch 'fixing' happens only in India.....

that is a welcome admission from you Vikas

The pitch for the 2nd test has been described as a belter by the curator . . . a bit of life in the first session or two and then excellent for batting . . . but don't let the facts get in the way of a good preliminary sook, SG and friends . . .

Look who is talking about facts.

Fact is NZ papers did publish the report that 2nd test pitch might be a greentop to negate India's batting advantage like it was being done in '02-03.

And I've absolutely no problem with home team preparing pitches as per its strengths. Thats the beauty of playing test cricket in different conditions. Every country does that though that doesn't stop many like you to play a hypocrite.