Under-fire Kiwis now under Duncan Fletcher microscope

Jaipur (Rajasthan, India), - With New Zealand Cricket appointing former England cricket team coach Duncan Fletcher as consultant, the under-fire Black Caps will now have to put up acceptable performances before for the remainder of their India tour.

New Zealand’s cricketers can expect to be scrutinized more closely than ever while trying to level the one-day series in Jaipur today.
Fletcher has arrived in Jaipur for the start of his 10-day stint, and will assess all elements of the team over the remaining four games, including player ability, stuff.co.nz reports.
It could the making or breaking of fringe contenders trying to force places in the squad for next year’s World Cup in the sub-continent.

Coach Mark Greatbatch, who welcomed Fletcher’s input, said the players knew a lift was needed in all departments following a muddling performance in the 40-run loss at Guwahati on Sunday.

“We did some good stuff, but I don’t know that we were consistent enough across the board,” Greatbatch told Radio Sport.

Stand-in captain Ross Taylor agreed, criticising his own efforts with the bat.

Following last month’s humiliating 4-0 series loss to Bangladesh, the New Zealanders are desperate to end their one-day woes.

They again will face an Indian side missing several of their resting stars. (ANI)