The match against India on Tuesday won’t be a bad place to start, not least because of its relevance ahead of the T20 World Cup next week, says a report in The Hindu, adding that Daniel Vettori’s return will bring tangible and intangible benefits to the side: apart from the 33-year-old’s apparent all-round skills, the reassurance that his presence offers will be critical.
“It’s also an opportunity for Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell to establish themselves as pace spearheads even as Taylor, Brendon McCullum, and Martin Guptill form the batting core. Jacob Oram, fresh from a successful Sri Lankan Premier League stint, and James Franklin lend balance and depth,” says the report.
Meanwhile, India didn’t appear too perturbed over suggestions that it hadn’t played sufficient T20 games this year. “We had a camp and right now we have three matches ahead of the World Cup [including the two warm-up games in Sri Lanka. So there’s no major concern,” said seamer Lakshmipathy Balaji.
Yuvraj Singh’s much-awaited comeback continued to be a strong undercurrent. After completing the warm-up routine in the morning, the left-hander took strike against a few net bowlers. He appeared content to ease himself into rhythm, driving and flicking with little strain.
Meanwhile according to a report in Hindustan Times, outgoing chief cricket selector Kris Srikkanth on Monday predicted India's triumph in the World Twenty20 commencing in Sri Lanka on September 18. "I am very confident. India are probably the best side in the tournament. Earlier, I had predicted India's victory in World Cup 2011," said Srikkanth.
"We had a goal and a dream when we took over the charge. The goal was to win the World Cup-2011. The World Cup triumph was the high point for us."
According to a report in The Indian Express, senior fast bowler Kyle Mills admitted that inconsistency has been the bane of New Zealand cricket. “We have been on the rocky road of late. But weather permitting, we would like to use Tuesday’s match as an opportunity to put our name on the board and carry forward the momentum to the T20 World Cup,” Mills said. “We will play two practice matches in Sri Lanka, but a win in Tuesday’s game might just give us the necessary impetus.”
However, to gain a favourable result their best players will have to play to their potential. Their opener Brendon McCullum is a prime example of a player blessed with talent but not necessarily consistency. His extraordinary feat in this country remains the 158 he made while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural match of the IPL in 2008.
