5 Kiwi players to watch out for in upcoming NZ tour of India
Playing test cricket in India is a tough task, especially when you are a non sub-continental team who are not the best at playing spin bowling.This is the very reason why England’s 2-1 triumph over India when they visited India in 2012 a sweet memory for English fans. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies – almost every non Asian teams suffered heavy losses against India the last time they toured India. This September, New Zealand are visiting India for a series of 3 tests and 5 ODIs under their new captain, Kane Williamson. At a glance, people would write this contest off as an easy victory for team India. But the Kiwis has changed a lot since their last tour to India in 2012. They are playing a brand new style of cricket and overall has a better team than in 2012. With a quality middle order and top class spin attack, New Zealand will make it difficult for the Indian cricket team to rope the series with ease
So here is a list of 5 Kiwis to watch out for in this upcoming epic encounter :
#5. Tom Latham
Young Tom Latham is a very gritty opener who has the habbit of getting good starts, but fails to convert it. He is one of the most underrated batsman in the world for the same reason. He has the talent and temparament to stay in the crease for as long as it takes. He played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s successful tour to UAE in 2014 by scoring 2 centuries. He has proved himself in turning conditions with his gritty batting. Latham is known for batting well under tough conditions
However, batting in India is a very different scenario. Virat Kohli often opts Ashwin as a new ball bowler. Being a left hander, batting against a quality off spinner very early in the innings could prove very dangerous for young Latham. He will most probably open with Martin Guptill, who hasnt yet made a mark in test cricket. New Zealand’s confidence will take a huge boost if Latham could tackle Ashwin. As mentioned earlier, Latham has already proved in turning conditions and may trouble the Indian bowlers.