India practically crushed the Kiwis at Nagpur and this victory reminded me of the late 90s and early 2000s, when India used to spin teams out on surfaces which spun. It used to be complete domination of the home team both with bat and ball and it was good to see that happen once again.
At the beginning of the series, I had honestly expected this sort of result in all the three Test matches but was a bit surprised by the resistance of the Kiwis. I must say, Vettori and his boys deserve full credit for the way they played. But somehow it looked a different effort this Test match, where the New Zealand batting didn't show any resistance at all. They were completely dominated by a good and disciplined Indian bowling.
The seamers did it in the first innings and the spinners were on song in the second. It was heartening to see the rhythm of Sreesanth and Ishant in the match and that of Harbhajan in the second innings. The pitch had a lot more bounce than the other two centres and India rightly used it to their fullest advantage.
The Indian batting on the other hand was brilliant once again. Rahul Dravid has silenced his critics with a magnificent knock. He has fought hard in this series and has shown a lot of character, for youngsters in the team to learn, especially the likes of Suresh Raina, who had an off-series. Sehwag continued his good form and the captaincy responsibility on Gambhir brought out a good knock from him. It showed what the faith of the selectors and captain can do to someone.
Dhoni also batted the way he should always do, as hitting is his strength and nudging around is not his cup of tea. His form at number seven will be very important for the team on the tour of South Africa, where the conditions are going to be different.
The selectors have rested key players from the upcoming one-day series against New Zealand and rightly so, as India has a tough tour to South Africa and a big World Cup coming. It is important for the key members of the team to remain mentally and physically fresh.
The Indian batting on the other hand was brilliant once again. Rahul Dravid has silenced his critics with a magnificent knock. He has fought hard in this series and has shown a lot of character, for youngsters in the team to learn, especially the likes of Suresh Raina, who had an off-series. Sehwag continued his good form and the captaincy responsibility on Gambhir brought out a good knock from him. It showed what the faith of the selectors and captain can do to someone.
Dhoni also batted the way he should always do, as hitting is his strength and nudging around is not his cup of tea. His form at number seven will be very important for the team on the tour of South Africa, where the conditions are going to be different.
The selectors have rested key players from the upcoming one-day series against New Zealand and rightly so, as India has a tough tour to South Africa and a big World Cup coming. It is important for the key members of the team to remain mentally and physically fresh.
Going early to South Africa will help the key members to tune their minds for the series and get used to the conditions. It will turn out to be a huge advantage, which one will see at the start of the first Test at Centurion. The Test series will be followed by the one-day series, where a lot of young names have been inducted. It's going to be a huge opportunity for them to do well and get their names in for the World Cup.
The Kiwis will have to go fresh into the one-day series on hand, which should be even-stevens, as a lot of experienced Indians are being rested.
The Kiwis will have to go fresh into the one-day series on hand, which should be even-stevens, as a lot of experienced Indians are being rested.
--> COurtesy : SIFY
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