India vs. New Zealand- Second ODI Preview

In probably the most predictable of cricket series occurring at the moment, New Zealand enter their second ODI against India today playing a game of catch up.

Some good news has finally gone the way of the under performing Black Caps with the news that Daniel Vettori is fit to play.

However, with the good comes the bad, with Brendon McCullum joining the list of walking wounded, including that of Jesse Ryder. With the loss of these two, a lot will be riding on Ross Taylor.

With the IPL stalwart having a less than impressive test series, some hint of form was realised with his 66 in the first ODI, and he will be looking to carry this through today.

However he won’t be able to do it alone, suggesting that characters the likes of Hopkins are going to have to stand up and be counted for more than just being the man behind the stumps.

India on the other hand, fielding somewhat of a second XI, will be a lot more confident after their performance two days ago.

Virat Kohli showed maturity and class hitting a second successive hundred on a typically low-scoring wicket. Munaf Patel also put his hand up for inclusion in the looming World Cup squad with a disciplined display.

On the bowling front, both teams are struggling at present with Sreesanth of particular concern to the world’s top ranked side. His career economy rate is still over six per over in this format- a serious worry for when he comes up against the big hitters of more established opposition.

New Zealand (probable): 1 Jamie How, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Ross Taylor, 4 Scott Styris, 5 Kane Williamson, 6 Grant Elliott / James Franklin, 7 Daniel Vettori (capt), 8 Gareth Hopkins (wk), 9 Nathan McCullum, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Andy McKay

India (probable): 1 M Vijay, 2 Gautam Gambhir (capt), 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Yuvraj Singh, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 Yusuf Pathan, 7 Wriddiman Saha (wk), 8 Ashwin, 9 Pragyan Ojha, 10 Sreesanth / Munaf Patel, 11 Ashish Nehra

There are no surprises that India are odds on favourites here today at 1.51

A worthy punt can be had at the ‘Most Sixes’ option with a double your money availability the way of the Indians- an absolute gimme.

As usual for New Zealand Brendon McCullum tops the list for likely top scorer, with Ross Taylor also offering enticing returns.

One to watch in this one will be the Kiwi’s Kane Williamson who will favour the predicted slow turning pitch.

While India do not have the best record at this ground, they should still be strong enough to put one over one of the worst Black Cap sides in recent history.