Is the Answer Blowing in the WIND? It Doesn't SEAM So!

2002, the last time India toured New Zealand, they were swept away by the wind in Wellington, and done in by the seaming conditions in Hamilton. Both test matches finished within three days, and the ODI series was lost 5-2.  

It’s been over 30 years since India won a test match there, and since Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi won a series in 1968, the Indians haven’t won a series in New Zealand.

It might just be a different story this time around. The team is oozing with confidence, has been winning of late, and the lack of Kiwi experience beyond six players isn’t dampening the spirits.  

Indian coach Gary Kirsten believes that India can win this time around in New Zealand. In his own words: "We have a very balanced team—in batting, pace and spin bowling. We are capable of playing in any conditions."

Captain Dhoni admits that it’s going to be a tough tour, with seamer-friendly pitches and cold and windy conditions that can make life difficult for the tourists. However, as he says - when the West Indies played there recently, the wickets were flat.

Sunil Gavaskar believes that the conditions might have been a bigger bother had the tour happened in December-January. The conditions may not be as daunting in February-March, and that’s good news if you are an Indian.

Daniel Vettori agrees, believes that India will find conditions easier, as the pitches are quite different from what they were in the past and not as difficult for a visiting side, although adjusting to 18-degree temperatures he says might be a bit difficult for Indians.

On his part, he is looking forward to bowling against the Indian team led by Dhoni, who he believes is one of the best captains in the world at the moment. In fact, Vettori must be very eager to bowl as he didn’t get to bowl a single over in the last seamer-dominated series.

I remember him gesturing to the then captain, Stephen Fleming, imitating the seam-up bowler’s action. Fleming didn’t agree, and promptly won the series for his side.

It’s going to be an interesting contest, and if the Indian openers get going, the series will tilt India’s way for sure. Of course, Rahul Dravid will be eager as well, and if he is able to repeat his earlier success in that country, this team can look forward to doing what no other Indian team has done for over 40 years.