India are unbackable favourites for their 500th Test match against New Zealand, who commence what is likely to be a very tough tour at Green Park in Kanpur. Join The Roar for live scores of Day 1 from 2pm (AEST).
India’s last Test series came away from home when they thumped the West Indies 2-0 in a four-match series, with rain spoiling their chances in the other two fixtures.
Back at home where they are always strong, they look ready to pounce with a settled side, but have been rocked in the last couple of days by the news that quick Ishant Sharma will have to sit out with illness.
Besides that, Virat Kohli’s men look ready to fire. Kohli will once again be the key to their batting performance, although the rest of their top order, led by Shikar Dhawan, must find a way to see off the new ball which is likely to be used effectively by Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
New Zealand come into this tour of India having gone down in convincing fashion to South Africa during what was a strangely timed two-match series.
The first match was lost to rain, but the Kiwis were beaten by 204 runs in the second and to turn that sort of form around on the sub-continent will be easier said than done.
They have had one tour match against Mumbai, which was promising in the fact that all their batsmen made starts, but at the same time no one went on with it, and against a quality attack led by the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin, you can’t rely on getting a good score through starts.
Kane Williamson will be the key for New Zealand. Batting at four he must be prepared to knuckle down and pull his side out of a hole if the likely early wickets fall, and at the same time score runs to try and get the spinners out of the attack.
Interestingly, there are plenty of drawn Test matches between the countries, with India leading the ledger of those with a result 18-10.
Prediction
It’ll extremely tough for New Zealand to go past India at home. The home side will be out to get their long season off to a good start, and should do so fairly comfortably as long as they get early wickets and put New Zealand under pressure from the outset.
A draw is also a possibility, but given the pitch is already breaking up, spin will take over in the last few days as it nearly always does in the sub-continent.
India to win easily.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of Day 1 from 2pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Bob
Guest
Saha's actually a clean keeper. Not the same batting pedigree as the two named above, but he's an old-fashioned keeper who's good with the gloves in all conditions. With Ashwin and Jadeja able to hold a bat, India can afford to have a pure keeper
Bob
Guest
NZ probably do have to get 400+, but it's a huge ask I reckon. It will require Kane to get 150 and India to have an ordinary day in the field. Can't wait!
Bob
Guest
Dissappointed to see Kohli get out early. He's my favourite batsman to watch (I'm aussie btw) but in test cricket for some reason he just isn't quite there with the very best. Easily, easily the most talented player on the planet, I'm just waiting to see him dominate tests like he does odi and t20. Im sure the day will come, he's too good for him not to be #1 in all 3 forms.
Punter
Guest
Kane's captaincy was very impressive. I think him and Kohli are the best 2 captains in the world; aggressive and tactically strong. Kane may not be as expressive as Kohli but he similarly doesn't let the game drift. Would Steve Smith be willing to play 3 spinners in India? Doubt it, and that's why NZ will fare better in this series than will Australia. Less arrogance when it comes to conditions, and won't complain about the pitch
JSB
Guest
Yep 100% agree Berry, it'll be fascinating to watch.
JSB
Guest
Honestly cannot wait for day 2 to get under way. Hopefully NZ bat well and get to the 300 mark. Will be a massive test against a quality bowling attack on a fair pitch. While everyone talks about Ashwin and Jadeja, I wouldn't underestimate Shami - an improved and underrated bowler in my opinion.
Slugger
Guest
Although Sarfraz Ahmed is pretty good too. I think Watling and him are the best two around
Slugger
Guest
Fair comment Targa, Watling is a very underrated player, as cricketers from NZ tend to be. Kept very cleanly too, but in terms of batting this will be a challenge for him.
Targa
Guest
"How NZ fare with the bat today will indicate how they fare for the whole series. If they get rolled, it’s 3-0 no question. After Taylor at 4, batting just looks to ‘bits and pieces’" Don't count out Watling - best keeper batsman in the world
Slugger
Guest
How NZ fare with the bat today will indicate how they fare for the whole series. If they get rolled, it's 3-0 no question. After Taylor at 4, batting just looks to 'bits and pieces'
Berry
Guest
Unfortunately it's Kane all on his own. Ashwin is a class bowler, don't be surprised if he gets him early. Had no issues against Sangakarra, Amla and AB in the last year in tests.
Berry
Guest
I'll be watching this series closely, won't be watching my aussies play a meaningless ODI series though. NZ look like they'll fight, though the real challenge will be tomorrow's test against spin. Looks a good classic indian pitch, can't fault them this time.
Sydney man
Guest
The fact that India still manage around 300 runs when their top/middle order batsmen literally gave their wickets away shows just how strong their young batsmen are. If Australia lost 3-0 to SL despite restricting their top order, I shudder to think how we'll go against a far superior batting, bowling and fielding unit.
Will
Guest
NZ have done well but this score is enough for India. Ashwin and Jadeja will run rampant against this NZ batting line-up. Agree with David the Pom, this is a good pitch providing riveting day's test cricket. Hope NZ fight
David a Pom
Guest
Brilliant day's test cricket. Good pitch with something in it for everyone, and batsmen working hard for their runs, unlike on the pathetic roads of Australia. NZ have done well but have a mighty task ahead of them against India's two Ravi's. Kane vs. Ashwin the key battle to watch.
Targa
Guest
291/9 after day one. Hopefully Williamson can get a big hundred tomorrow and Latham, Taylor and Watling score decent runs with others chipping in so we can get 450+. NZ won't want to have to chase more than 150 in the last innings against Ashwin.
hog
Guest
And losing the Toss hasn't helped, they need to bowl out India cheaply to have any chance. Not sure we have the spinners to do it though