IND vs NZ 1st Test – 1st Test Kanpur: New Zealand is undoubtedly the best outfit in all formats of the game in present times. But it’s been 33 years since the BlackCaps have won a Test match in India. The 136 runs win in the second of the three-match series in 1988 was the last time New Zealand won a Test match on Indian soil. Since then, many captains have tried their luck to break the jinx only to face disappointment. However, BlackCaps’ veteran Ross Taylor believes the current Test Champions are completely prepared and will break the jinx this time. Follow InsideSport.IN for more updates.
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IND vs NZ Test Series: Can New Zealand end 33 years wait to win a Test in India? Ross Taylor says ‘we are completely prepared this time’
#INDvNZ | Ahead of the first Test against India starting in Kanpur on Thursday look ahead at the series with @RossLTaylor 🏏 pic.twitter.com/dgvC7RIlRY
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 22, 2021
“Our preparation so far has been fantastic – obviously a little bit different, not having net bowlers come in, so facing our bowlers as preparation has been key. “Everybody’s been lining up to face the spinners, they’ve bowled a lot of overs,” Taylor was quoted on stuff.co.nz
The biggest challenge for Kiwis in India is the spin threat of Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. The last time Black Caps played a Test match in Kanpur the spin duo of R Ashwin and R Jadeja rattled BlackCaps batting line-up with their spin prowess with Jadeja picking up a 5-fer in the first innings & Ashwin returning with a 6-fer in the second innings.
“For us, it’s about being able to pick up the length as quick as possible and trusting your defence. When there are a lot of men around the bat, it can be an intimidating place to start your innings.
“Getting through those first 10-20 balls over here is going to be crucial – it’s a bit of a cliche but things do get easier. Obviously survival is a big thing but you’ve got to score and put some pressure on the bowlers.”
Since their first tour in 1955, BalckCaps have never won a Test series in India. Out of 34 Tests, the Kiwis have managed to win only 2 Test matches on Indian soil while 16 have ended in a draw. In the last two series — in 2016 and 2012 — they have lost all the matches.
“When you play India at their home, you’re always going to be the underdog regardless of whether you’re the world number one, or where they fit in the international cricket at the time.
“Obviously they’re resting a few players but they’re still a formidable side – they know these conditions really well and the way we adapt to these conditions is going to be the key.”
The last time both teams locked horns in a Test match was the inaugural World Test Championship final. The spinners didn’t have much to do in that game and New Zealand featured without any spinner in their playing XI.
However, they do need a vital spin attack to counter India at its own den and thus Azaz Patel & Will Somerville are set to feature in the 1st Test in Kanpur. But, neither Patel nor Somerville has played competitive cricket in recent months.
Ajaz Patel’s recent outing dates back to June when New Zealand defeated England at Edgbaston to claim a famous series win while Will Somerville’s last outing dates back to the first week of April.
The duo of Patel & Somerville have picked up a total of 28 wickets in three Test matches for BlackCaps, resulting in two wins (over Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and a loss (to Sri Lanka) and are in line to make their 4th appearance together.
“The biggest thing is being able to see the surface and get an understanding of what that’s going to offer for us. All the preparation is done, and now it’s the exciting time – it’s about playing cricket and putting all that hard work into games,” Patel said.
The 2-match Test series between India and New Zealand begins on Thursday. The first Test will be played at Green Park, Kanpur followed by the second at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
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