[1]A lush outfield swathed in polythene is not good advertisement for cricket, barring that everything else was picture perfect at the MAC Stadium.
The skies opened up briefly in the evening to add to fears of a washout. The weather offices have not ruled out showers on match day as well.
The conditions could favour the bowlers and in turn make it a quality contest between bat and ball and not the hit and giggle types, the format is usually accustomed to.
To foretell outcomes of T20s can be difficult as there are no thoroughbreds here and none can be sure at any point. That India has never defeated New Zealand in a T20 should be added motivation for Dhoni and Co to go for the kill.
The two match series was a logical way forward with the World Cup round the corner, but sadly rain robbed the first game and both teams will be eager to test their wares before taking the flight to Colombo.
There has been little in terms of match practice for India in this format and the players will have to primarily fall back on their IPL experience and familiarity with conditions in Sri Lanka.
The wicket from a distance looked wheatish in complexion and can slow down as the game progresses.
This has been routine for a while, compelling captains to bat first and get a reasonable score on the board.
However there is no threat of dew, thus playing an extra spinner could come in handy. The air around the venue was nippy and the cool breeze blowing across should aid the seamers.
The visitors have an edge in the seam department, mainly because of the options in front of them.
There is required experience in the form of Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori and the McCullum brothers.
Having played the format more frequently as a team should also add to New Zealand.
India on the other hand has to take out the fear of failure. The last two World Cups saw them fare well below potential falling prey to expectations.
The final XI will be an interesting choice. MS Dhoni has never favoured five bowlers, irrespective of the format. With Rohit Sharma coming of a poor run and L. Balaji making a comeback after three seasons, Dhoni will have to back his instincts.
The top-six is set with Suresh Raina and Dhoni taking the last two slots. Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli are as feared as any other top order and they must be itching to make most out of the Kiwi outing.
There is a good chance of both R. Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh bowling in tandem.
As expected Yuvraj Singh will be hogging all the attention. The positive flip is he is no stranger to it. The way he moved while batting and later during the fielding drills showed his comeback is still a work in progress.
The decision to pick might have been an emotive one but the seasoned left-hander cannot allow anything of that to come between against one of the toughest units in T20 cricket. Ashwin and Ashok Dinda did not attend the optional practice session.
The Indian team management will not divulge details on the playing XI, but there is a good chance that Chepauk could see two local stars in action together for the first time in an international fixture since 1988. Kris Srikkanth and WV Raman was the last duo from Tamil Nadu to represent India at their home turf.
Asked on making his likely return to international cricket at his home ground, Balaji said: I have played in this ground from a very young age and playing for my country here would be very special. The wicket looks good and it should be a good game of cricket.
For R. Ashwin, who had scripted some famous wins for Chennai Super Kings here, this would be his third international at home.
The last time he played against New Zealand here Ashwin picked three quick wickets to hasten their end. The outing against West Indies in the World Cup was noteworthy as well.
“I have always enjoyed playing here. The wicket has had something to offer for spinners, either in terms of turn or bounce. The crowd has always been behind us, be it Tamil Nadu, CSK or India.
Looking forward to the game on Tuesday it should be an interesting contest,” said Ashwin.
The match will be a first for Chepauk. After hosting innumerable Tests and ODIs and been an integral part of Indian cricket’s folklore, the hallowed turf will be making its T20 international debut.
The fans in Chennai have also warmed up well to the shortest format, thanks to the IPL. In spite of the three stands (G, H & I) being locked out, the atmosphere should still be good enough to generate excitement.
It’s exciting time for NZ cricket: Mills
After an embarrassing performance in the first Test, New Zealand had their moments in the second Test. They will have a lot to pick from that effort on their last day of the tour.
T20 is a format where the Kiwis are generally at home and it was only natural that Kyle Mills was confident of a good show.
“It’s unfortunate that the match (Vizag) got washed out a couple of nights ago. It’s disappointing ahead of a major tournament like the World Cup. Hopefully, the weather gods hold up and keep the rains away here,” said Mills.
Where New Zealand gained most was their young seam attack put to test in unfamiliar conditions. “It’s an exciting time for New Zealand cricket, especially with a young bowling group who have put in some fine performances in the recent past. India is a quality side and put in the fact that they are playing at home, the challenge was always tough,” explained Mills.
New Zealand make up for loss of star stature with commitment and tight cricket. Variations in bowling is another area of strength.
The well balanced attack should come in handy against India and later in the World Cup. “A bowler has to keep evolving in order to stay ahead. The team that can do that consistently in the World Cup will come out on top,” added Mills.
The road for New Zealand has been rocky of late. However the unit has usually done well in major tournaments over a period of time.
“It has not been great but we have made the top four in most major tournament around the world. The new management team is a good one.
Our game is structured now which is both good and exciting for New Zealand cricket. Hope we have a bit of success and get our team to the top,” noted Mills.
Most of the Kiwi players turned out in the Sri Lankan Premier League and that should hold them well in the World Cup.
The return of Jacob Oram and Daniel Vettori has added teeth to the attack and tilted the overall balance in their favour.
Tuesday's clash will be another stern test for the journeymen and one that will help them understand their strengths.
Long lay-off hasn’t taken a toll: Balaji
L. Balaji went through his paces without fuss. During the media interaction he was his normal self — non puzzled and to the point.
Excerpts:
On being back in the Indian dressing room after a break of three years: It's really good to be back in the squad after three years.
I am really looking forward to giving my best for the country. It's always been an honour to represent your state and country.
Every match is important and I am looking forward to giving it my best. Whatever I can do I will. I will try to deliver on that day.
On the team environment and his preparation: I think It is really good and I have played along with most of these guys.
They are as usual very warm. We had a fitness camp in Bangalore and that helped us get into the groove. Joe Dawes has been helping me with his inputs.
We're focussing on what my strengths. I have to keep re-creating what comes to me naturally and that's what I am trying to achieve.
On what he did to stay motivated during the lay-off: I have been playing a lot of cricket. I was captaining the state side and it was an honour to lead them.
The long season gave me a lot of opportunity to look into my own game and keep in mind the team's perspective as well.
The last three years have been highly competitive. The IPL, Ranji Trophy and club cricket have really helped me remain in the mix. I woke up every day thinking I will make it back to the Indian team. I kept pushing myself to the goal.
On the IPL experience: I have worked on my bowling a lot in the last two years and it came out well in the IPL, it was a rewarding journey.
The IPL is a great platform to mimic international scenarios and that we don't get to do in local matches. It has added a lot to my cricket.
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