Sehwag key factor to New Zealand, India ODI

New Zealand go into the must-win third one-day international against India tomorrow 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 tomorrow.

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.

"You've got the team aspect and you're wanting to get him out - and at the same time there's a bit of a 'wow' factor about watching it," Taylor said.

"I'm sure the New Zealand public are pleased at the way he's batted. From a spectacle point of view it's an amazing thing to watch but from a player's point of view, hopefully we don't get to see it."

Sehwag announced himself on his first appearance on tour in the opening Twenty20 match, also in Christchurch, when he smacked three consecutive sixes from the first three balls he faced.

As if Sehwag's skills are not enough, India also have Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina who have also produced half centuries in the first two ODIs.

New Zealand have a proud record with ODIs at home, having won six series and drawn one since they lost to Australia in 2005.

Taylor noted the situation was similar to the previous series this summer when New Zealand were down against the West Indies but fought back to take the series.

"We're still in with a sniff even though we haven't played as well as we'd have liked in the first couple of games," he said.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori was unhappy with the way his bowlers performed in the first match and while there was a slightly better performance in the rain-ruined second match, Sehwag remained a problem.

"There was a slight improvement to the batsmen other than Sehwag," Vettori said.

"We were reasonably disciplined but we've still got to do a lot of work on him.

"To try and stop him we have to be more consistent. We haven't got close enough to the mark."

Vettori will play in the third ODI but is doubtful for the final two matches and possibly the first Test because of the impending birth of his first child.