New Zealand’s ’almost 400’ show against Zimbabwe in the first game of the tri-series, India will have to take care of the versatile Kiwi bowling department. It’s a well-balanced attack with a world class new ball bowler, a crafty classical left-arm spinner and a few of those typically Kiwi dibly-doubly medium pacers and all-rounders tailor-made for the shorter version.The front benchers Shane Bond: The last time the Indians faced a real pacer away from the docile sub-continent pitches was two years back. Bond has shown that post-surgery he hasn’t lost the pace nor the seam moment. Forget a blazing start, Indian will have survival on mind in the first 10 overs.Kyle Mills: 13 wickets in 11 games, he wouldn’t be a big threat but with Bond at other end things could be different. Expected to take wickets as the Indian batsmen, by considering him the weak link, might drop their guard.The wily middle-men Jacob Oram: A bit of life on the wicket and he is the game. His best figures (5/26) have been against India. His slow trot to the wicket is deceptive but the use of that powerful shoulder helps him get the bounce and the pace.Andre Adams: Another thorn in Indian flesh, ask those who were on the tour to New Zealand two years back. He took 14 wickets in 4 games and his career best figures of 5/22 are against the Indians.Scott Styris: Another ‘all six balls different’ kind of bowler who along with Adam is equally skilled to bowl the mid-overs or the last ten. With the bowling average of 26 against India he will keep things tight.The spin to the attack Daniel Vettori: He has troubled the Indian in Tests but hasn’t quite run through the side. Certainly world class but 19 wickets from 25 games against India in ODIs means the main threat for the Indians is from the pacers.The outsidersChris Crains: Not expected to play. In case he does has a knack of breaking big partnerships. Nathan Astle: Military medium pace can get wickets if he gets into a rhythm.Jeetan Patel: He is offie but no relation to Deepak Patel. Unknown but boasts of a rich haul at first class level.
