India great smiling as Bay Oval ’test’ approaches

Indian test batsman Ajinkya Rahane prepares for battle in the Bay Oval nets. Photo: Chris James.

Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid is expecting his India A side to get a good hard workout from New Zealand A when they meet in a four day ‘test' beginning Friday at the Bay Oval.

Both teams contain a number of current and former internationals for the clash, being regarded as an unofficial test match.

The Northern Districts pair of Tim Seifert and Scott Kuggeleijn, along with hard-hitting top order batsman Glenn Phillips and Tauranga-born Doug Bracewell are in the New Zealand A lineup, while among the big names for the visitors are Ajinkya Rahane, Murali Vijay, Parthiv Patel and 19 year old Prithvi Shaw who lead his side to the under 19 world cup title at the same ground earlier this year.

Many of the Indian side are using the match, along with the two four-dayers to follow in Hamilton and Whangarei, as preparation before they head across the Tasman for their four match test series against Australia.

Dravid, who played 164 tests and 364 one day internationals in an 18 year career, and reached number four on the all-time test run-scoring list, says he's expecting the kiwis to come at them hard.

'Yeah definitely, they obviously know these conditions very well, they'll be used to playing in them.

'We don't get to experience this a lot so to play against a really strong New Zealand A team in their own backyard in their own conditions is going to be a really good challenge for our team.

'We're really looking forward to all the three test matches here and irrespective of the result I'm sure we'll gain something from the tour.”

A stop at the Bay Oval was a specific request from the Indian great, who was impressed with what he saw when he was here with the Indian team at the ICC Under 19 World Cup.

'I just think the facilities are really good here, it's a beautiful ground, the practice facilities are excellent, it's a beautiful city – not too much to complain about.

'And a really nice relaxed environment for a lot of our players as well coming in from India. It's got everything you need in terms of an optimum preparation.”

The chance to enjoy some down time between training and playing without the pressures of crowds and heightened security are big drawcards as well, he says.

'Just the ability to go down to the beach, some of the boys went up Mt Maunganui yesterday - really happy that New Zealand Cricket chose to have us here for the start of this tour.”

He's equally clear what he wants to see once the two sides get out in the middle at the Bay Oval tomorrow.

'A good competitive game of cricket for starters.

'Nowadays sometimes the tour games before a test series have lost a bit of their competitiveness. You know, sometimes they're 14 versus 14 and 18 versus 18 and that sort of thing. So it's nice from that perspective I think for our boys to get the opportunity to play a good tough test match against a very good strong New Zealand A side.”

A disappointment for the team – and the supporters that turn up at the Bay Oval – is the non-appearance of Rohit Sharma, second only to Virat Kohli in current Indian cricket star-power.

'Yeah it is a bit unfortunate, he was very keen on coming here,” Dravid says. 'I had a conversation with him before I left and he was actually very excited about coming here and playing the game.

'But he's picked up a bit of a niggle from what I hear and they didn't want to risk him with the long tour of Australia coming up so understandable, but I guess disappointing from his perspective and our perspective as well.”

Remembering the support his under 19s got at the Bay Oval during the under 19 world cup, Dravid says he'd love to see more of the same over the next four days.

'I'm hoping, I really hope they come and support both teams. Anyone who comes in is more than welcome whether it's Indian, Kiwi or anyone.”

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