Rohit Sharma will eye a big knock in the 2nd ODI after a 6-ball duck in the first
Wellington: India’s inexperienced but promising pace attack will look to maintain its dominance over New Zealand’s batters and help the visitors extend their series lead when the two sides meet in the second ODI here on Saturday.
The four-pronged pace attack raised questions before the series, but Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh answered them with impressive performances in the series opener, helping India secure a five-wicket victory.
Kamboj was particularly impressive, conceding just 46 runs and bowling 46 dot balls, while Arshdeep led the attack with the most wickets. The pacers exploited the bounce at Eden Park to trouble the New Zealand batters, who struggled against the short ball.
However, the shorter square boundaries at the Hnry Stadium could require a change in lengths, with the Indian pacers likely to bowl fuller. Kamboj’s disciplined line and Test-match lengths could also earn him the new ball alongside Arshdeep.
Mohammed Siraj could replace Auqib Nabi, who went wicketless in the first ODI, but the team management is yet to reveal its plans.
At the top, Rohit Sharma will be keen to make amends after his six-ball duck, while Virat Kohli will look to continue his impressive form after anchoring India’s chase in Auckland.
New Zealand have suffered another setback with opener Devon Conway ruled out of the series due to concussion. Nick Kelly has been called up as his replacement, while Matt Henry is available after recovering from the training-ground collision.
