Tendulkar back for India’s final warm-up game before the World Cup

The Indian batting is bolstered by the return of maestro Sachin Tendulkar. However, strike bowler Zaheer Khan – who didn’t play the last warm-up game against Australia due to groin strain – is still uncertain about playing against New Zealand. Indian skipper MS Dhoni confirmed that Zaheer would only play if he is 100 percent fit.

Mumbai, February 16, 2011

 

By Devarchit Varma

India will be keen to sustain the winning momentum going into the second and final warm-up match against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.

The Indian batting is bolstered by the return of maestro Sachin Tendulkar. However, strike bowler Zaheer Khan – who didn’t play the last warm-up game against Australia would miss the second game as well because of a groin strain.

 

The Indian batting, which failed to click in the last game against Australia, will be a matter of concern for Dhoni and coach Gary Kirsten. Apart from Virender Sehwag, no other Indian batsmen could actually convert starts into big scores.

 

Dhoni is not taking the Kiwis lightly. He said, “They are a very contributive side. They have some very talented players and don’t depend on any one particular player. When we talk about New Zealand we talk about their contributive effort rather than singling out players.”

 

This will be the last chance for India to test their players’ forms and fitness before they start their World Cup campaign by taking on Bangladesh in Dhaka on February 19.

 

New Zealand have lost 14 of the last 16 ODI games and go into the World Cup low on confidence. But New Zealand have been five times in the semi-finals of the World Cup and also reached the semis of last ICC Champions Trophy in 2009. They cannot thus be underestimated.

 

New Zealand are known for lifting their game despite being ranked low, and having players such as Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder, Scott Styris, and Jacob Oram in their ranks, they can upset the Indian applecart.

 

With coach John Wright’s vast experience in the sub continent and a morale-boosting 32-run win over Ireland in Nagpur, New Zealand will try a fresh start to the 2011 World Cup.  

 

 

Pictures © AFP

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