India v New Zealand - Series Preview

Coming as it does between Australian series against South Africa and West Indies, New Zealand's first tour of India (also their first five Test series) has always been in danger of being overshadowed, but the match-up between ATG cricket's two lowest ranked teams still promises some competitive action. A comprehensive win for India would send them above West Indies in the rankings, whilst the Kiwis have much to prove as they continue their battle to climb out of the basement.

John Reid has been retained as skipper and will lead the New Zealand party with Bevan Congdon as his vice-captain, whilst opening batsman Mark Richardson is the only new cap to make the trip. The squad in full:

JR Reid (c), BE Congdon (vc), SL Boock, JG Bracewell, MG Burgess, EJ Chatfield, MD Crowe, RJ Hadlee, HJ Howarth, RC Motz, AC Parore, MH Richardson, IDS Smith, B Sutcliffe, BR Taylor, GM Turner.

There is therefore still no recall for leading runscorer Martin Donnelly, but other than that it is a largely predictable squad selection, given recent form, and the starting XI will have its first run out when the series gets underway in Ahmedabad.