Mark Richardson: Eye now on ODI Cup side

Brendon McCullum. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The real part of New Zealand's tour of India now begins.

I'll always argue test cricket is more important than any other form but with a World Cup on the subcontinent next year our ODI form must be the priority.

Two chances for development have so far been squandered. In the tri-series against Sri Lanka and India, pitch and weather conditions were very unsubcontinent-like and then in Bangladesh... well, let's not go there.

So this is it. Five ODIs in what should prove typical Indian conditions against the third-ranked ODI team in the world. The problem is, India will field a weakened side after deciding to rest key players.

They are without MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. That's a heck of a lot of firepower. They are also resting Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan. Nonetheless, they will still prove formidable.

The first job for the Black Caps will be to perform well and ideally win the series. A good showing will erase the sour taste of the last test, when they were well beaten by India, but more importantly it will lessen the horrendous stench that was Bangladesh.

The loss of Jesse Ryder is a major blow. Yes, it gives Jamie How another opportunity, but settling on a consistent combination and pattern of play is more important than opportunities on this tour.

I like Ryder and Brendon McCullum at the top of the order. I know many still feel McCullum would be better down the list, and I do too, but it's not going to happen so let's just get on with finding a number three and seven.

The World Cup will be won by blasting boundaries not scampering between wickets. McCullum and Ryder can do the blasting but who should follow?

It is an important tour for How, who gets yet another opportunity, and Martin Guptill, who will probably be competing for number three.

I would go for Kane Williamson. He has the game for first drop and is the sort of player McCullum, Ryder and Ross Taylor could bat around.

Scott Styris is the perfect number five and must play. It will be an important tour for him because he's at that stage when he is always batting to prove he's still up to it. He most certainly is.

When building a one-day team, you work down from one to five then pick your best three bowlers. The remaining three selections depend on the balance you want to play.

Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills are one and two but who is three? Is it Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee or Andy McKay?

As for number seven, I would give Mills a go up the order. I'd like to see him given the opportunity higher up.