India look to salvage pride in New Zealand

New Zealand will be looking to use Friday's fifth one-day international against India to prepare for February's Test series. Seventh-ranked New Zealand were long odds to secure the ODI series ahead of the tour against India, especially given their inconsistent showings in the 2-2 rain-affected series against the West Indies. But the hosts' adaptability with the ball on a variety of seaming, swinging and turning wickets laid the platform for a convincing 3-0 series lead with one match remaining. Most of the bowlers have contributed significantly in the series to date. Kyle Mills (1-42 from 10 overs) was superb once again for the hosts as his slower deliveries and ability to find the correct length for the Seddon Park surface strangled India in the fourth match on Tuesday. From there, Tim Southee (2-36 from 10) was able to beat batsmen on several occasions and bounce back from the third ODI in Auckland, where he conceded 74 runs in the sixth ever ODI tie. Another significant aspect of the series so far has been the performances of the hosts with the bat. Kane Williamson (60) scored his fourth half century in as many matches, illustrating his ability to wear down India's blunt bowling attack. But he was only good enough to be the supporting act as Ross Taylor (112 not out) played a leading role on Tuesday. While the hosts have been dominant, India have endured a forgettable series. On the back foot from the beginning, MS Dhoni's uncanny knack of winning each of the four tosses so far have seen him lose each match. On a spinning deck where the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were expected to play big parts, instead New Zealand have dominated. The ineffectiveness of India's bowling unit will irk Dhoni no end, but he can at least take comfort from the fact Rohit Sharma (79 on Tuesday) rediscovered some form - albeit a bit late. Jadeja, too, has been a revelation with the bat on this tour and could play another key role in establishing a handy total for New Zealand to chase. For the hosts, the opportunity to slam the door shut on the ODI series beckons, while India will already be eyeing the red ball as they begin to prepare for the Test series in February.