Different pitch awaits teams for last ODI in series in Hamilton

What a difference fine weather makes.

Three weeks ago, Hamilton's Westpac Park pitch was the source of much criticism after the groundstaff suffered bad weather on the two days before the second National Bank Series Test.

But in spite of 163 mls of rain falling on the ground last week, the groundstaff are certain they have it right for the final match in the one-day series between New Zealand and India on Tuesday.

The pitch will be harder and faster after two days of solid baking in hot sun and with more rolling to be done.

Assistant groundsman Daniel Wilson said today the pitch for the game would be more of a batting track and the groundstaff were picking scores of 270-280 for the sides.

They were as keen as anyone to see the Indian batsmen in action and also the New Zealanders playing themselves into some form.

There would be nothing like the sideways movement there had been in the Test match and they were confident they would have the best pitch of the one-day series.