New Zealand may have matched India in the first Test and even had them at 15-5, but they shouldn't expect any more slackness from the Indian batsmen again. The standard 'first-test-hiccup' as well as the 'pitiful collapse' are both out of the way, and I think the series will be won 2-0 from here.
New Zealand will be forced to make at least a couple of changes, as Hamish Bennett is injured and Jeetan Patel bowled like an open buffet. James Franklin was drafted into the squad in Bennett's place, but I don't know if he'll play since he wasn't even part of the original squad. Tim Southee, Andy McKay and Brent Arnel are the other two pacers available, but one of them may have to sit out if NZ want to shorten the tail, in which case Franklin will play. For those who don't know him too well, he's like their Irfan Pathan, but a better batsman.
The only change for India could be playing Ishant ahead of Sreesanth, who dished out plenty of filth in the first Test. Which is pretty sad, as it's a choice between who'll bowl less tripe, not who's better.
Expect runs, plenty of them. Or not, I'm just shooting in the dark here.
Update: Southee, Arnel and Guptill come in for Bennett, Patel and Watling as NZ will bat. India unchanged. Too bad.
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