India in a happy place — Ranchi

Ranchi, October 25

After taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match ODI series, hosts India will aim to pocket the series when they take on New Zealand in the fourth game at the JSCA International Stadium on Wednesday.

After a setback in the second ODI in Delhi, India got back to winning ways by thumping the visitors by seven wickets in Mohali. Going into the fourth game, all eyes will be on the struggling opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, who  failed to fire in the first three outings.

With the track at the JKSA assisting batsmen, the Ranchi crowd will once again hope for another batting exhibition from the likes of Sharma, Rahane, Virat Kohli, Manish Pandey and local favourite MS Dhoni. Dhoni is once again expected to bat at No. 4 with Pandey, Maharashtra batter Kedar Jadhav and Baroda all-rounder Hardik Pandya to follow.

During the optional practice session, the skipper was tested by coach Anil Kumble with his leg-spin. Two others, Hardik Pandya and Manish Pandey, also turned up for a few hits in the nets. Dhoni earlier had a close look at the pitch and pointed at a few patches to the local curator before heading to the nets.

The bowling department has been very impressive in all the matches so far. Seamer Umesh Yadav will lead the pack consisting of Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya. 

All-rounder Pandya said, “There’s a lot to learn when both (Kohli and Dhoni) of them are batting. Their batting, running between wickets inspires us. It’s at another level. It’s fun to watch them bat together.” 

New Zealand would be aiming to draw level and go into the final match with a chance. Barring opener Tom Latham, the Kiwis have failed to ensure a consistent batting effort in the three matches so far. 

Once again, skipper Kane Williamson will be the focal point of the Kiwi batting apart from the likes of Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor and Corey Anderson. — Agencies

Saqlain spin consultant for England’s India tour

Karachi: The England and Wales Cricket Board has appointed former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq as a spin consultant to the national cricket team for its upcoming tour of India. Mushtaq will reach India on November 1 and remain with the English team for 15 days, helping them prepare for their five-Test series against India, which begins on November 9. 

England must improve with bat against India, says Vaughan

London: England will suffer a series whitewash against India unless their batting improves dramatically from the first Test win over Bangladesh, former captain Michael Vaughan has said. “If they perform like they did against Bangladesh, it’ll be 5-0,” Vaughan said. Vaughan said England cannot afford to put themselves in a tough situation against the world’s top-ranked Test side. “It doesn’t matter who goes first. England for such a long time are always 30 or 40 for three. If they’re 30 or 40 for three against India they’ll get blown away,” he added. “Yes, you celebrate a win, but hopefully England, in the background, are being honest with themselves that they can play better.” — Agencies