While the first T20 International was abandoned without even the toss being possible. The third T20 ended in a tie on Duckworth Lewis Stern because of the rain playing spoilsport. After a brilliant first one day international, the second ODI again ended in a no result. India batted first and had to go off the field a couple of times because of rain interruptions. The match was curtailed to 29 overs per side. After significant time was lost due to rain but it came down again.

Quite heavily at that and the game had to be abandoned with just 12.5 out of scheduled 100 overs being possible. There is a forecast of scattered showers on Wednesday afternoon as well. But nothing serious enough to have a defining impact on the game. There might be a couple of stoppages but the spectators should get to see a good contest between bat and ball at the Hagley Oval. In what is the last match of the series and the fans certainly deserve to see some good cricket.

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Shortened game a possibility, another high-scoring venue

In the 22 one day internationals played at the venue, the average first innings score is 247 while that in the second innings is 197. Which goes against the grain of teams warranting to chase after winning the toss. Despite the record, there is not a lot of doubt in one’s mind that the captain winning the toss will decide to bowl first. After being under the covers but also going for the target in significantly better batting conditions.

New Zealand surprisingly left out Michael Bracewell in the first ODI but brought him back in the second match of the series in place of Adam Milne which provided better balance to their side. Likewise, India also made a couple of changes to their playing XI in the second match to improve their balance. It was unfortunate for Sanju Samson to miss out after doing a decent job in the few opportunities that he has got in this format.

However, with no batter being able to turn his arm over in India’s top six. The team had no other option but to bring in Deepka Hooda to provide themselves with the sixth bowling option. Shardul Thakur was exceptional. In his first spell in the first ODI but leaked a lot of runs at the back end. He did not pull up well for the second ODI. As well with a stiff back and Deepak Chahar was brought into the side. However, he did not get a chance to show his wares.

India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh said that he wants to back his strengths in ODI cricket and try to stop runs for India after making his debut in the 50-over format. The 23-year-old played his maiden ODI match for India in the series opener against New Zealand, which India lost by seven wickets. Apart from this, Arshdeep had taken out openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway too. He also showed his ability to bowl the knuckle-ball too. He credited senior pacers in the Indian team for helping him with adding more variety to his bowling skills.

Arshdeep remained wicketless and was hammered for 68 runs in 8.1 overs. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Tom Latham wreaked havoc on India bowlers with their unbeaten 221-run stand. Reflecting on his ODI debut, Arshdeep said: “Very grateful for my debut. It is the dream of every youngster to one day represent the country when they first start playing. I felt great making my debut. Now the goal is to keep doing well and get the team wins.”

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Arshdeep Singh remained wicketless in his maiden ODI

“In the beginning, if the ball does swing so I try to get people out lbw or bowled, but if the ball doesn’t swing, then the plan is to bowl economically and stop runs.” When asked how has been the transition from T20I to ODI cricket for him, Arshdeep. “Not many differences between bowling four overs in a T20I and an ODI, I will continue to back my strengths and try to stop runs for the team. “It’s all from the guidance from the experienced players in the team. I constantly try to learn from them. Tried to learn hard-length deliveries from you (Siraj). I am learning knuckleball from Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) bhai.”

“The side that is longer, we try to bowl in that direction. Not necessary to always look at the ground dimensions. If a particular batter does not score straight then we try to bowl straight to him.” India posted 306/7 after fifties from Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer in the first ODI. In reply, Kane Williamson (94*) and Tom Latham (145*) put up a show to take their side home with 17 balls remaining. “Earlier I learned how to use yorkers from (Mohammed) Shami bhai. I try to improve myself and hope to step-up and perform well when the team requires you to stop runs or get a wicket,” said Arshdeep in a chat with Mohammed Siraj in a video posted on BCCI.TV.