New Zealand Out To Prove a Point Against India

The impending New Zealand series against India will provide plenty of food for thought for cricket enthusiasts in this part of the world. There are plenty of questions surrounding the Black Caps squad and many players will be out to prove a point against a classy Indian squad.

As a team, New Zealand will be looking to win the One Day series and regain its rightful place in the Top Three of the ICC rankings. The test series will be more a matter of survival, with serious doubts over the New Zealand bowling attacker's ability to take 20 wickets in a test.

The series begins Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. (GMT+05:30) at AMI Stadium in Christchurch and continues Friday at Westpac stadium in Wellington at the same time. Other matches include March 3 at McLean Park in Napier, March 6 at Westpac and March 8 at AMI again.

The NZ Top Three has been shaken up with the introduction of Martin Guptill in the two series against the West Indies and Australia. Guptills' debut against the West Indies and a good series in Australia proved he is capable at the international level. Brendon McCullum's lack of scores at the top of the order suggests it might be worth trying him lower down the order with the power play in mind.

Jesse Ryder will again have the spotlight on him as he comes back from injury.

Grant Elliot has so far repaid the selector's faith in him and will be looking to secure a spot in the middle order, along with rookie Neil Broom, who has also impressed so far this season.

Jacob Oram is (again) coming back from injury, and despite his world ranking in the all-rounders list, leaves me wondering why he doesn't give the bowling up in order to prolong his injury-ravaged career.

Daniel Vettori and the rest of his bowling attack, including youngster Tim Southee, will be looking to prove themselves against the big names of the Indian batting lineup.

So, this match is an exciting prospect, and the key will be the Indian's ability to adjust to New Zealand conditions.