Sports

Rain Forces New Zealand to Shift Training, India Cancels Practice Ahead of Second ODI

By Sahil Malhotra

Wellington – Steady drizzle on Friday forced New Zealand to move their training to an indoor facility opposite the Basin Reserve, while India cancelled its session and stayed at the hotel on the eve of the second ODI of the five‑match series on Saturday. The short turnaround between the Auckland and Wellington fixtures allowed only one practice session for both teams after their travel day on November 5. Most Indian players, who have already played in the windy conditions of Wellington, will go straight into action, hoping to acclimatise quickly. New Zealand face varying ground dimensions and weather across the country, from the short straight at Eden Park to the shorter square at Hnry Stadium, requiring bowlers from both sides to adjust quickly.

"We still do a bit of bowling between. You can’t do it every time, there are guys going in and out of the session and we’re just balancing that, and a lot of guys going to Test cricket as well, so there’s a lot of balance happening," said Kiwi quick Blair Tickner. "I’m still coming back from a few injuries in the winter, so I’m trying to bowl a bit more. I love bowling, getting that rhythm right, so I’m definitely still bowling in training and getting me to it," he added, after smashing four massive sixes in Auckland.

Tickner, who impressed the crowd in Auckland, now aims to improve his bowling performance at a venue where Abhishek Sharma scored a 38‑ball 113. "If the perfect plan works out, we are going to be attacking and get early wickets. That’s the dream, and every one‑day team’s bowling attack wants to bowl teams out, so we’re looking to bowl teams out first before thinking about defensive play," he said.

Siraj has joined the squad and is available for selection, but the management will decide whether he will play. Subhadeep Ghosh, the fielding coach, said, "Siraj has joined the team and is available for selection, but the management will take a call whether he will play or not." The only potential change could be between Siraj and Nabi. With a strong forecast of rain on match day, fans may face another frustrating day of cricket as the two teams take the field.