Explorer

Playing India at home is one of the toughest challenges: Kane Williamson

Playing India at home is one of the toughest challenges: Kane Williamson New Zealand's cricket captain Kane Williamson addresses a press conference. (AP)     New Delhi: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and coach Mike Hesson agreed in unison that it will be a "bit of scrap" for the batsmen to face Ravichandran Ashwin and co while their own spinners need to adapt quickly to the SG Test from kookaburra ball. Williamson had no hesitation in agreeing that spin will play a crucial role. "In the previous series, spin played a huge part. At times batting was difficult. No doubt it will be bit of a scrap. We have three very good spinners as well. It will be a challenge. Playing India at home is one of the toughest challenges. As a team we are excited to get involved," said Williamson. Coach Hesson said that it is difficult to replicate the spin friendly conditions of sub-continent back in New Zealand. "Look we spend a lot of time in Bulawayo. It was a spin dominant series and the wickets were slow and similar pace of what we get in India. Replicating those conditions at home is difficult." Hesson is hopeful that New Zealand spinners like Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi will be able to adapt to the 'SG Test' ball from the 'Kookaburra'. "Look there have been a number of overseas spinners who done have well in these conditions. Our spin group is young and the challenge is adjusting to a different ball to 'SG Test' from 'Kookaburra'," said Hesson. "There are changes in seam angles. Our bowlers are not going to bowl like sub-continental bowlers but we have to create opportunities." Asked about the roles of the two seasoned new ball bowlers – Tim Southee and Trent Bolt. "Certainly there will be element of reverse swing. Certainly you need to adapt with tactics and selection. As we get to first Test, we need to see the surface. That will be huge factor." But Hesson reckoned reverse swing will be a huge factor when one plays in these conditions where ball reverses. "I think it's a huge component of playing cricket overseas. In abrasive surfaces where there's not much seam movement, we need to find another way. We are keen to get reverse in legitimate fashion. We have to work on them in coming days."

Top Headlines

Pakistan Star Mohammad Amir Gets British Citizenship, Breaks Silence On IPL 2027 Entry
Pakistan Star Mohammad Amir Gets British Citizenship, Breaks Silence On IPL 2027 Entry
BCCI Yet To Review UK Tour; Gambhir Expected To Attend Online Meeting: Report
BCCI Yet To Review UK Tour; Gambhir Expected To Attend Online Meeting: Report
Pakistan Boxer Qudratullah Disappears From CWG Team Hotel: Report
Pakistan Boxer Qudratullah Disappears From CWG Team Hotel: Report
Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Fans Rare Look Inside Multi-Million Car Collection | WATCH
Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Fans Rare Look Inside Multi-Million Car Collection | WATCH

Videos

BJP Attack: Rahul Gandhi Targeted Over Parliament Disruptions, Party Calls Him
JPSC Protest: Jharkhand Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe and Reforms
Terror Plot: Punjab Police Busts Alleged ISI-Backed Jantar Mantar Attack Plan
Student Protest: Jharkhand Aspirants Await Support as JPSC Row Intensifies
Monsoon Fury: Flash Floods and Heavy Rains Trigger Chaos Across Several States

Photo Gallery

25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Embed widget