KEY POINTS:
Ignore the injury list, the planets are aligned in the Black Caps' favour for the World Cup, so Indian astrologers and tarot card readers say.
Astrology website www.ganeshaspeaks.com favours the Black Caps to reach the semifinals in the West Indies-based tournament.
Its predictions are based on horoscopes, World
Cup reports, biorhythm charts, element charts, tarot card readings and strength meter ratings for every player in all 16 teams.
If New Zealand coach John Bracewell is in the least bit superstitious he will be heartened, even with Craig McMillan yesterday joining Jacob Oram, Peter Fulton and Mark Gillespie on the injured list.
New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies are favoured for three of the four semifinal places. Australia, India and Sri Lanka are predicted to scrap for the other.
The website predictions are apparently based on planetary influences.
The website is named after the elephant-headed Hindu god, Lord Ganesha.
McMillan, who now has an injured big toe courtesy of a Shane Bond yorker, was predicted to feature as one of the competition's leading scorers.
Spinner Daniel Vettori was picked as a leading wicket-taker.
For a key selection of Black Caps, the omens make mixed reading.
Brendon McCullum, whose Chinese star sign is the Rooster, has the following for his Tarot card reading:
"His game may be quick and rash instead of being stable. He will be able to catch people's eye with a few good performances but does not seem to be steady player for the day [sic]."
For his World Cup report, which covers the opening match against England, the yappy wicketkeeper may have trouble adhering to the following advice: "Avoid direct confrontations."
Skipper Stephen Fleming had an unflattering Tarot card reading.
"[He] will not be able to decide how to play which ball ... his abilities are affected major time, hence he should be on guard while playing, else there maybe downfall in his career [sic]."
But for allrounder Oram, who has been in top form despite a fractured digit, there was some encouraging news.
"He may be one of the best players of the team. Joint efforts will bring good fruits.
"He would be able to shine very well with the support his own abilities and good performance."
Surely, the one reading which has fallen over was that of McMillan's.
"Blessed by very good strength. He may help the team win the game. He will be able to perform very well with best of abilities.
"Nothing can stop him from performing well."
- NZPA