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Fri Jan 3 2003 Issue No: 146
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Both sides see changes for Queenstown ODI
Arguably the most important of the numerous lineup changes that are likely to take place at Queenstown is the return of Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian batting has badly let its side down throughout this tour, and apart from Rahul Dravid, no batsman has looked even remotely comfortable at the crease. Tendulkar's return will lend some much-needed solidity to the side, both in terms of a steadiness at the wicket as well as the volume of runs that he invariably brings with him. New Zealand, for their part, see the return of all-rounders Chris Harris, Scott Styris and Andre Adams, although fast bowler Shane Bond will still be missing from the attack. The all-rounders will give New Zealand some batting strength, and also, although they do not seem to need it, depth to the bowling. Out of the side are Paul Hitchcock, who missed out on a World Cup call-up, Lou Vincent and Michael Mason.
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India won't lack for inspiration at Queenstown
One more loss for India and the one-day series will be all over for them in the fourth match, to be played at Queenstown tomorrow. But if any one venue in world cricket could be capable of lifting India's spirits, then the John Davies Oval at Queenstown's Events Centre would have to be it. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range as they loom high over the ground, it is an outstanding location, and this occasion is the first time an ODI has been played at the ground. The wicket hasn't escaped the extra moisture that has been in the New Zealand air this summer but it does offer hope of having consistent pace and bounce, which will allow the prospect of scores in excess of 220-plus. But no-one is second guessing just what they pitch will be like after the surprises that have been in store in earlier matches. Most will be hoping that they get a rare chance to see Sachin Tendulkar in action, but no-one associated with the series is holding their breath. Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was convinced he would play in the last match but he did not appear. New Zealand have their own aims from this game. They have made three significant changes to their side as they continue their preparation for the World Cup. Chris Harris, Scott Styris and Andre Adams return to the side and will be especially keen to continue the dominance the home side has achieved this year. The win in Christchurch was the second-fastest victory achieved by New Zealand chasing a target, and the fastest against a team with full ODI status. But they cannot afford to relax the intensity of their approach because they need to ensure they are at peak efficiency at the World Cup, while India just have to pick up some confidence in their bid to keep the series alive.
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McCullum continues to make his mark in record books
Brendon McCullum's impact on wicket-keeping records in one-day internationals continued against India in the third match at Jade Stadium in Christchurch. McCullum, who in only his second ODI wearing the wicket-keeping gloves, equalled Adam Parore's record of five dismissals in an innings, did that again at Christchurch, and claimed a world record for most dismissals in consecutive ODIs. His 10 bettered the nine achieved by South Africa's Dave Richardson in 1995/96 and Ridley Jacobs in 1999. He became the eighth player to make five dismissals in an ODI innings twice. The esteemed group he joined included Mark Boucher, Andy Flower, Adam Gilchrist, Jacobs, Moin Khan, Nayan Mongia and Richardson.
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In his first Test innings, a stripling by the name of Mohammad Azharuddin struck 110 on this day in 1985, playing against England at the Eden Gardens. It was the first of three centuries in as many Tests, a magnificent start to a glittering Test career and a record that still stands.
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