Spinners Key For BLACKCAPS' T20 Opener

The Black Caps may include as many as three spin bowlers in their 11 for the Twenty20 World Cup opener against India tomorrow morning.

The Nagpur pitch is the same wicket used for the third test against South Africa late last year, when Indian spinners took all 20 wickets.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said they'll play at least two spinners and one of them is likely to open the bowling.

"We'll certainly bowl plenty of spin in the first six (overs) I'd think, it just depends on what we want to do later on. Hopefully we'll get a crack at their middle order."

"Look our bowling group is very competitive, so I think regardless of which way we go we could go many different ways."

The options in the squad include veteran Nathan McCullum, young guns Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, and part timer Kane Williamson may also roll the arm over.

Hesson said the Nagpur pitch is barren.

"There wasn't a blade of grass anywhere near the surface, which was pretty much what we expected."

The Black Caps will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for Martin Crowe.

The New Zealand squad departed for the tournament on the day of Crowe's passing.

Captain Kane Williamson said there would be a moment after the anthems for applause, which would be a "special time of recognition on behalf of the side."

Radio Sport