Ind vs NZ: 1st ODI a second string contest

Hamilton, February 4

Injuries to key players have opened the door for exciting youngsters such as Prithvi Shaw to make an impression in the Indian line-up against a depleted New Zealand in the three-match ODI series starting here tomorrow.

This is India’s third ODI assignment after the ODI World Cup last year, having previously beaten West Indies (away) and Australia (at home). The Black Caps, on the other hand, play their first ODI since that infamous loss to England in the World Cup final at Lord’s in London.

Missing players

Both India and New Zealand will miss a string of first-team players due to injuries. India were dealt a major blow when Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the remainder of the tour owing to a calf injury he picked up in the final T20I. The visitors are already without injured players Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar.

For New Zealand, inspirational skipper Kane Williamson has joined the long list of injured players, which includes Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.

Debutant openers?

Virat Kohli today said the team will stick to the strategy adopted against Australia in the Rajkot ODI, in which KL Rahul kept wickets and batted at No. 5. This means that Mayank Agarwal, Rohit’s replacement for the ODI series, is likely to open with Prithvi Shaw — India, thus, could have two openers simultaneously making their ODI debut.

In the bowling department, three pacers will probably be the norm once again. Kuldeep Yadav is slated for a comeback, given his performance against Australia at home.

New Zealand will be led by Tom Latham ahead of Tim Southee, who was the stand-in skipper during the last two T20Is. All-rounder Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme return to the squad. Ish Sodhi is only there for the first ODI and the hosts could opt for a two-spinner attack given the slower surface at Seddon Park. — PTI