Quick Series Preview

Rank 1 Team vs Rank 8 Team (although, really, NZ have got to be a better side than the West Indies) pretty much sums up the widespread feeling going into this series. Although India haven't won two tests in a single series against NZ since 1988, that looks set to change. I'm picking decisive defeats for the kiwis in the first two tests, and a much-improved showing in the drawn third.

Players to Watch: McCullum is certain to bat up the order, and whatever happens it won't be boring. Not many have good things to say about him these days, but in his defence it looked like he had lifted his test game a notch during the last home season, and so he deserves the chance. Listing the likes of Vettori, Taylor and Ryder is pointless because they'll have to fire anyway for NZ to be competitive. Tim McIntosh and BJ Watling are more 'test style' than the others, and therefore become more important; if either can hold up an end, they allow the strokeplayers greater freedom. Equally important is how quickly Tim Southee is able adapt to conditions which don't really suit him.

Zaheer Khan has always done well against NZ, and Vettori will be wary of the threat he poses with the old ball. Surprisingly, Sehwag only averages 27 against the kiwis so this could be the series in which he puts it right. The return of Gambhir and Ishant Sharma from injury should be monitored with interest, as the South Africa tour comes closer. And Pragyan Ojha might get his due for some excellent tight bowling against the Aussies, as he comes up against a set of players who aren't keen on (facing) left-arm spin at the moment.

Potential Wager Material: Suresh Raina vs The Short Ball, and whether Chris Martin keeps his place by the time of the third test.