The Kiwis’ obsession for technology as a tool for devising plans to destroy opposition was evident as they prepared to face India. Stephen Fleming, captain of the Kiwi squad, sat in the lobby of the hotel to watch TV footage of the Irani Cup on a lap top on Monday. The south paw watched with rapt attention Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan bowl repeatedly to the Little Master Sachin Tendulkar before boarding the bus to catch a flight to Vishakhapatnam. Earlier, addressing a press conference Stephen Fleming predicted a tough series. ‘‘India is one of the top sides in the word. It would be tough to beat them and we have come prepared for it’’ said Fleming. ‘‘We have had extensive preparations, four days at Auckland, eight days at Brisbane and would have another six days of proper preparation before the first Test,’’ added Fleming on the teams preparation. On the wickets in the sub-continent where the turf is generally bereft of grass, Fleming said: ‘‘We are aware of the conditions out here which is different from that in New Zealand and prepared for it.’’ Lou Vincent, who had toured the country two years ago with the young Kiwi team to take part in the All-India Buchi Babu Cricket Tournament, was thrilled to be back in the city. He enquired about Tendulkar, his current form and admired the great batsman. New Zealand are one of the better fielding sides in the world and Vincent explained the secret behind it. ‘‘It is regular jogging in the morning, breakfast, then light workouts at the gym and regular nets that helped the Kiwis to be in good shape.’’ The Kiwis are wary of Harbhajan Singh and all Fleming had to say of the Sardar was ‘‘he is a great player and looked forward to playing him.’’ ALL EYES ON MASON: Michael Mason who is in the squad as a replacement for the injured Shane Bond is the one to watch out. The Indians have had an unpleasant experience against the 29 year-old, who troubled the cream of the India’s famed batting line-up on two occasions when they last toured New Zealand. It may be recalled Mason was here in Chennai last month for a week to train under Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Foundation. The stint at the foundation enabled Mason to have a feel of the conditions in the sub-continent and Nathan Astle too hoped that the Central Districts new ball bowler would do well in the coming series. ‘‘I am in pretty good shape and eager to make my Test debut,’’ said Mason. Ashley Ross, the coach of the team, believed that the young squad would do well in the series as they had done well in Sri Lanka, where the conditions were similar. It was reported that the Kiwis planned to practise unconventional methods to tackle crowd noise and disturbances. ‘‘The Indian crowd is well informed and it is a great atmosphere to play in,’’ said Fleming. New Zealand will take on the Board President’s XI at Visakhapatnam from September 26 to 28.
