New Delhi: For the first time in last twelve months, India is staring at a series defeat, that too at home and the protagonist of creating this situation is a wicket-keeper who transformed into a middle order batsman from an opener.
Tom Latham and his sweeps have left India with more than something to think about before the second ODI at Pune.
At the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, left-handed Latham relied on sweeps and reverse-sweeps to overcome the challenge posed by the Indian spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.
Latham was one of the brightest spots in New Zealand’s last India tour when he impressed one and all with his new ball handling technique. But when returned after 12 months, he had forced his way into the limited overs side mainly because of his abilities against spin.
The fact has definitely not gone unnoticed in the Indian camp.
"Yes, we do (have plans). We have taken a good look at the videos, how they played the sweeps and things like this. Definitely the plans would change for these batsmen," said India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun.
Latham had posed uncomfortable questions in front of the young Indian wrist spinners, who until now had enjoyed a free run in international cricket, barring a brief onslaught or two from Glenn Maxwell.
While sweep was the most dominant shot on Latham’s wagon wheel on Sunday, it was not his only weapon. He did not sweep his way to an unbeaten 103, he was equally good of his front and back foot, not to forget his ability to rotate the strike with partner Ross Taylor.
“Latham and Taylor had a fantastic partnership and they went on to win that (Mumbai) game. It is a bigger challenge for us to come back,” added Arun.