While the lavish lateral movement may still trouble the batsmen, the improvement in pitches in New Zealand has been "dramatic". The playing conditions make the hosts formidable, but for India, it is a chance to remedy their miserable record. S Ram Mahesh in the Hindu hopes for good cricket wickets that uphold the balance between bat and ball and make for a fun-filled six weeks.
Stationed 2000 km southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand bred conditions for cricket that were uniquely its own. The sticky-wet wickets yielded as readily as soft-set custard, enabling the ball to dwell and deviate when landed on the seam. The dense, water-charged atmosphere allowed the ball to swing — and as if this weren’t enough, the small, open grounds, sensitive to the blustery gusts that frequent these parts, furthered the cause of swing.
How many universities in the world can boast of having vineyards and a winery on their grounds? Lincoln University, which played host to the Indian team for their practice sessions is probably the most picturesque cricket venue. Anand Vasu in the Hindustan Times takes a walk through the campus.
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