Teams eye happy ending

The last time the Indians were at the Basin Reserve,it was during their first week in New Zealand.

The last time the Indians were at the Basin Reserve,it was during their first week in New Zealand. It was February,and the famous chilly wind of this region brought with it the fears of being blown away in alien conditions. Down 1-0 in the T20 series,they went on to lose the second game as well to start the tour on a poor note. At that time,the future seemed bleak.

How things have changed: Cut to the last week on this tour and the Indians are back at the Basin Reserve. After a month in New Zealand,the warmth of the one-day series win and the 1-0 lead in the Tests have ensured that the fear factor has subsided.

But the Kiwi fightback in the last game means the winds still carry a scary message.

Its April 1,and the casual talk in the streets about the official arrival of winter isnt really a All Fools Day prank.

The chilly wind has more bite as compared to February,and while it isnt enough to send shivers running down the Indian spines,they have enough to be wary of.

Considering the conditions,and talk of a pitch with appreciable bounce,a Napier-like situation is unlikely. With the final Test almost certain to provide a result,there is still a chance that this tour will leave bad memories.

For India,a win or a draw will put 2009 as the year when New Zealands citadel was finally broken. As for a loss,it will ensure that,for future teams leaving for these parts,take care will remain a warning to watch your back rather than a friendly goodbye. The Test win at Hamilton,that came after over three decades,will be a trivial statistic if the series ends in a draw.

Up for a fight

Story continues below this ad

The home side have landed in Wellington with the comforting thought that they can score 600-plus against Indians high-profile bowling attack. They also carry the belief that comes with dismissing the star-studded batting line-up for half that score. The limbs may be tired,but mentally,they will be up for the task. As for India,after Napier,they will be aware of the depth of the hole they can dig for themselves in one hour of madness.

Hardly the situation that sprung to mind after India had wrapped up the first Test by 10 wickets. India coach Gary Kirsten,when asked if the teams would head into the decider as equals,didnt indulge in any mind games. Absolutely,it is up to the performances on the day. New Zealand have shown that they can be really competitive. We had to use all our determination to save the game,which we did really well, he said.

Self-belief

Despite India holding the advantage,there isnt much to choose between the sides,and New Zealand definitely believe they can pull of a win here. Vice-captain Brendon McCullum spoke of the change in mood of the dressing room. After the 10-wicket loss,our confidence was really dented. When you respond the way we did,particularly after being 20/3 on the first day,to put ourselves in a position from where we could force result,its a pretty good sign for the team. The boys are a lot more confident than they were a week ago, he said before his teams afternoon session.

In this topsy-turvy Test series,a week is a long time. And the good thing is the coming one should be exciting as well.

Live on Set Max: 3:30 a.m. onwards

Sandeep Dwivedi

Sandeep Dwivedi is the Sports Editor at The Indian Express. He is one of India's most prominent sports journalists, known for his deep analytical insights and storytelling that often goes beyond scores and statistics to explore the human and cultural side of sports. Professional Profile Role: As the Sports Editor, he leads the sports coverage for the newspaper and the website. Weekly Column: He writes "The Sports Column," a weekly feature where he provides sharp, narrative-driven perspectives on the biggest sporting news of the week. Podcast: He is a frequent contributor to the "Express Sports" podcast (Game Time), where he discusses evolving trends in cricket and other international sports. Areas of Expertise While Dwivedi covers the entire sporting spectrum, his work is particularly noted in the following areas: Cricket: He provides extensive coverage of the Indian National Team and the IPL. He frequently analyzes the leadership styles of figures like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Gautam Gambhir. He is known for tracking the transition phases of Indian cricket and the evolution of specific players like Kuldeep Yadav and Rishabh Pant. Athletics & Olympic Sports: He has written extensively on Neeraj Chopra’s rise in javelin, the nuances of Indian shooting, and tennis legends like Sania Mirza and Leander Paes. Human Interest Stories: A hallmark of his writing is his focus on the struggles and backgrounds of athletes, such as the sacrifices made by Shafali Verma’s father or the "silent battles" of veteran players like Cheteshwar Pujara. Notable Recent Work & Themes Leadership and Dynamics: Recently, he has written about the dynamic between Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, arguing that personal friendship is not a prerequisite for team success. Sports & Culture: His articles often intersect with global culture, such as his deep dive into the 100-year legacy of the Harlem Globetrotters and their role as American soft power during the Cold War. The "Grey Areas" of Sport: He often addresses sensitive topics like the mental health of cricketers post-retirement, the "outrage industry" in sports broadcasting, and the impact of fan-wars on the game. Tenure and Experience Dwivedi has been with The Indian Express for over three decades. This experience allows him to provide historical context to modern sporting events, often comparing current crises or triumphs to those of previous generations. You can follow his latest work and columns on his official Indian Express Author Profile. ... Read More