Carter queries Indian firepower (17 December 1998)

17 December 1998

Carter queries Indian firepower

The Christchurch Press

Wellington coach Bob Carter believes New Zealand is 70-30 favourite entering the first of the three-match Indian test cricket series.

"I don't know if the Indians have got the firepower to bowl sides out twice.

"They have two good bowlers in Srinath and Kumble but you can't rely on that all the time," said Carter, whose provincial team lost its four-day game against the visitors earlier this week.

Carter said New Zealand should have an advantage from the pitch conditions, with Carisbrook theoretically being better for the seam and swing bowlers.

While India was replete with dashing stroke-makers they were used to batting in featherbed conditions on the sub-continent, albeit on wickets that offered spin.

"India doesn't travel that well and it would be a while since they won a series overseas," Carter said.

However, Carter prefaced his remarks by saying that there were a lot of classy players in the Indian batting line-up and the Black Caps would need to be performing at their peak to come out ahead.

Carter said the absence of the injured Simon Doull would be felt because he was a genuine test bowler with his ability to swing the ball both ways.

Carter is confident young opening batsman Matthew Bell will prosper at international level in his test series debut.

"I believe he's got the technique and temperament to succeed at the top level. He wants, and has shown, the ability to bat for long periods.

"He's got the qualities to be a test opener. I just hope he gets a reasonable trot."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (http://www.press.co.nz/)

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