Online Cricket : Live Score India vs New Zealand 1st Test Match, 1st Day at Hamilton : Team news
March 17, 2009
New Zealand will bat Franklin at No. 6 and Guptill will make his debut as an opener, which leaves two spots up for grabs. Who fills one of those places will depend on whether New Zealand play the second spinner in Jeetan Patel. If they do, then it will be at the expense of either Kyle Mills or Iain O’Brien. However, it’s unlikely that New Zealand will play a second spinner against the Indian batting line-up.
The other spot will be taken by either Chris Martin or the Northern Districts fast bowler Arnel. There was some controversy over Martin’s inclusion in the squad but Vettori said he was “always a big fan of Chris”. “I think he has done a fair job for New Zealand for a long time and the selectors know that as well. We just want to make sure he is back to his best. I have been impressed with the way he has trained, with the way he has bowled.”
Ten out of India’s XI pick themselves. The only spot that isn’t certain is that of the third seamer who will support the new-ball attack of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma. The choice is between L Balaji and Munaf Patel. Balaji has been recovering from injuries and last played a Test for India in March 2005. Munaf played three ODIs on the tour of New Zealand but was in poor form, conceding 93 runs from 9.2 overs.
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