New Delhi: New Zealand’s batsmen will be tested on the slow and slow pitches in India with visiting skipper Kane Williamson and coach Mike Hesson saying it would be “a bit of a scrap” for them against India’s spinners led by the in-form Ravichandran Ashwin.
“In our previous series (in Zimbabwe), spin played a huge part. At times batting was difficult. No doubt it will be bit of a scrap again. 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.
Added Hesson, “We spent a lot of time in Bulawayo. It was a spin dominated series and the wickets were slow and similar pace to what we get in India. Replicating those conditions at home is difficult.”
He said their spinners, led by Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, would work to adapt to the ‘SG Test’ ball against the ‘Kookaburra’ they are more familiar with.
“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,” 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.” On his quick bowlers, Hesson said, “Certainly there will be element of reverse swing.
“You need to adapt with tactics and selection. As we get to the first Test, we need to see the surface. That will be huge factor.”
Speaking about his opposite number on the three-Test series, WIlliamson — no slouch himself with the willow — said it was a learning process watching Virat Kohli in action.
“Virat’s a great player and his ability to dominate attacks through all three formats is very special. I love watching him play and learn from a player like that.”
Williamson, Kohli, England’s Joe Root and Australia skipper Steve Smith are currently the best-rated batsmen in the world, but the third-ranked Williamson each had his own approach to the job.
“All of us are different players, have different strengths. Trying to stick to his own gameplans, that’s the sort of beauty of this game.
“That everyone can do things differently and have a bit of success,” said the 26-year-old, who has a Test average of 51 plus with 4,393 runs and 14 centuries.
On the twin job of leading the side as a frontline batsman, he said, “I am enjoying the challenge. We have a great bunch of guys and we are enjoying our cricket.
“We have to keep improving and that’s my focus as a captain. When I take that hat (captaincy) off, it’s my job as a batsman to play a role. It’s a slightly separate thing.”
Williamson said they had not focused on any one batsman ahead of the three-Test series starting on September 22 in Kanpur. “They have a lot of good players and we see them all as threats. They are good players at home in their conditions.”
