When Yuvraj Singh took to the cricket field on September 11, 2012 against New Zealand in a Twenty20 International at Chennai, it was not just another match. It was a day to remember for the entire cricket fraternity, fans, teammates, family and above all the man himself.

When Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed 'bowled' in all three innings he batted in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand, many eyebrows were raised, and the general consensus was that age and consequently slower reflexes were the primary cause.

It was as close to the perfect Test match, especially at the start of the season, as India could have hoped for.

Ashwin and Pragyan Ohja have done well when bowling in tandem, and in as much as the batsmen need to be given the best possible circumstances to settle down, young spinners need encouragement and reasonably helpful conditions to grow in confidence.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been talked about on the domestic circuit for quite some time now, and there have been ample reasons for that.

When you lose eight consecutive overseas Tests after beginning the season as the No.1-ranked side in the world, it's time to take some tough decisions. To a large extent, India's selectors have been spared that.

The Hyderabad Test against New Zealand begins on August 23. This is, by far, the earliest any Test match has begun in an Indian season.

Vangipurappu Venkata Sai (VVS) Laxman, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday, will always be known as India's turn-to man during a crisis.

It's possible, perhaps more than possible, that VVS Laxman might have played his last Test match. If he hasn't yet, then the end is certainly not far away.

With New Zealand scheduled to play India in a Test Series later this month, here are ten interesting facts about the contest between the two teams: