Weather holds the key to India's batting success in Hamilton

Hamilton (New Zealand), Mar.10 (ANI): Hamilton's temperamental autumn climate may give the Black Caps their best chance of weathering another batting storm from the Indian cricket side tomorrow.

The Waikato Times quotes Seddon Park head groundsman Karl Johnson as saying that the preparation of the wicket for the one-day international had been hampered by the changing weather.

That may yet mean that tomorrow's combatants may not get the type of batsmen's paradise that has allowed the visitors to hammer the New Zealand bowlers around grounds in Napier, Wellington and Christchurch.

"It's been a little on the frustrating side with the weather being an extra challenge and we're also preparing the test wicket," Johnson said.

The ground staff's aim is to prepare a wicket that holds the potential for a feast of runs in the day-night match that starts at 2 p.m.

"One-day cricket is about producing a deck that's flat, has good pace and carry," Johnson said.

"We're hoping to produce a batter-friendly deck but overhead conditions can help the bowlers," he added. (ANI)