Kane Williamson He knows spin is a “big component” in the Test series in India and expects his specialist slow bowlers – left-arm conservative Ajaz Patel and off-spinner William Somerville – to adapt quickly to conditions and make a difference.
New Zealand were knocked out at Kanpur in 2016 Ravichandran Ashwin Playing a big role and Captain Williamson knows what to do in this part of the world.
“Throughout the series, the spin component will be a determining factor,” Williamson said on the eve of the first Test.
“Many teams have faced similar challenges and our expectation will be no different. There will be a big spin component.”
On one side is Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja They have around 700 wickets between them, while the Black Caps will rely on Patel and Somerville, who have collectively taken 41 sticks in 13 matches (4 for Somerville) so far.
“There is going to be a spin factor and someone like Ajaz and Somerville has played a big role in our bowling attack. Especially in these circumstances, they will play an important role for us. There will be some reverse swing, we will try to create ways of taking wickets so that there is a role for both the seamer and the spinner,” Williamson said.
The skipper said the effort against Jadeja and Ashwin will not only be to survive when the ball turns but also to ensure that the batsmen find ways to score runs.
“We know the strength of the Indian spin bowlers and they have been fantastic over the years.
“We have to find ways to score and try and be effective and try and build those partnerships. And every player is different, so their approach will be slightly different from one another.”
Williamson hopes that every player in the team will know their role and contribute in every possible way.
“Everyone is looking at different ways to be effective. We have to be as prepared as possible to face some of the challenges.”
The Black Caps captain said the current Indian team will also have to take into account with five changes from the eleven they played in Southampton for the World Test Championship crown.
“There are a few different factors to be taken into account and try and be prepared,” he said.
so will Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed ShamiThe absence made New Zealand the favourites, and the captain’s reply was an emphatic “no”.
“I don’t think we are the favourites. The greatest strength of Indian cricket is its depth. His knowledge of his conditions is unparalleled and the challenge is huge. We are excited to take on it,” he concluded.
,