Transition time

According to skipper Ross Taylor,this is the new era of New Zealand cricket,under a new coach,37-year-old Mike Hesson,and armed with a motley crew made up of youngsters and a bunch of settlers from foreign climes now wearing the silver fern on their jersey with pride. Taylor amp; Co,however,have the arduous task of dragging their team back up from the nether regions of the Test rankings. And India must just seem like the perfect destination to commence their resurrection.

It is here after all that generations of Black Caps have displayed their innate feistiness and ability to punch above their weights. Eight draws in 10 Tests over the last two decades,with a couple of dominant performances,just reveal one part of the story.

Over the years,its difficult to find a starker study in contrast between two opponents than India and New Zealand. And that is the case in many different levels. But this time around,when India take on the Kiwis in the first of two Test matches at the Uppal Stadium on Thursday,there will be one similarity between the occasional rivals. This will also be the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket. The post-Dravid and Laxman period.

The only difference being that while the Kiwis are more than used to being in a state of flux and rebuilding,this promises to be a brand new experience for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his posse. To boldly overcome a difficult stage of transition and hope that the next generation takes over from where the legends left off.

The Kiwis too have a unique situation to contend with. This will be the first time in over 15 years that they will be touring India without their one constant,Daniel Vettori. The one common factor that has kept their hopes together,despite their dwindling fortunes in recent times.

The guy has played the most Tests for New Zealand,you can never replace that, in Taylors words.

But the usual contrasts between the two teams,however,continue to exist. While India has the luxury of bringing in established names like Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina into the mix and an abundant talent pool to boast of,the Kiwis still continue to recycle the same names that have represented them over the last decade. James Franklin,whos played six Tests in the last six years,has been brought into the middle-order while 32-year-old Jeetan Patel will have the unenviable responsibility of filling into Vettoris boots.

The differences stretch to the coaching staff too. In Hesson,New Zealand have not only the youngest coach going around in the international circuit but one whos not even played first-class cricket. Duncan Fletcher on the other hand boasts of an impressive coaching resume and having captained his country to glory in the past,has the nous to talk technique with even the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

Hesson on the other hand is someone youll call a man manager before a coach. Obsessing over techniques is not his penchant. Both can lay claim to be hands-on in their approach.

So despite the low profile of the series,there promises to be a lot to look forward to,and a lot at stake for both teams. By the time,the multi-lingual Black Caps left the Uppal Stadium,the ground had been covered in a sea of blue with a sudden downpour sending the ground staff scurrying. And the threat of rain should only add to the suspense surrounding the uniqueness of the contest at hand.

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