New Zealand go into the must-win third one-day cricket international against India here Sunday struggling to find an answer to the Virender Sehwag problem. Sehwag has ensured India get their innings off to a lightning start with his 77 from 56 balls in the first ODI, which India won by 53 runs, and 54 from 36 in the washed-out second match.
If India win the third game they will take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Sehwag suffered a calf strain in the second match, necessitating the use of a runner, but is still expected to play here on Sunday. But as New Zealand look for ways to stifle his immense influence at the top of the order, batsman Ross Taylor admitted to admiration for the way the Indian opener has plundered the bowling.
"Youve got the team aspect and youre wanting to get him out - and at the same time theres a bit of a wow factor about watching it," Taylor said. "Im sure the New Zealand public are pleased at the way hes batted. From a spectacle point of view its an amazing thing to watch but from a players point of view, hopefully we dont get to see it."