1st Test: New Zealand v India at Auckland

Cricket: Black Caps unchanged for first test
2:23 PM Wednesday Feb 5, 2014

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The Black Caps will keep an unchanged eleven for tomorrow's first test against India in Auckland.

Seamer Doug Bracewell and batsman Jesse Ryder will sit out the Eden Park Test, meaning the side is the same as the one that secured a 2-nil series win over West Indies early in the summer.

Captain Brendon McCullum says it's down to both the success against the West Indies and the Eden Park conditions.

"I's a nice luxury to be able to continue with the same team, and obviously the pitch as well. I think it's got a little bit of grass on it but I still feel that you've got to pick a team for five days rather than the first day.''

A partly cloudy day is expected in Auckland tomorrow.

- Newstalk ZB

1st Test: New Zealand v India at Auckland

India haven't won a single overseas Test out of their last 12; New Zealand have won only three at home over the same period 

who you guys rooting for

It's quite overcast at The Garden. Let's hope the rain stays away. The light isn't great at the moment. Not sure about the toss time now. Now as a precaution, covers are coming on

MS Dhoni has won his sixth toss of the tour. India are expectedly going to bowl. Dhoni says some of his team-mates have asked him to reserve a seat at the casino looking at his luck with the toss. First question from Mark Richardson to Brendon McCullum: "That shave was a waste of time, wasn't it?" Of course, all shaves are a waste of time

McCullum says these are tough batting conditions ahead of his side. "It's a big challenge, but it is a challenge we are looking forward to."