"Knew India would come back" - Tom Latham on Rohit Sharma and co. staging fightback in third innings in IND vs NZ 2024 1st TestÂ
New Zealand captain Tom Latham said that they were aware of Team India's fightback in the third innings after collapsing for 46 on Day 2 of the opening Test in Bengaluru. The keeper-batter suggested that the second new ball during Team India's second innings was the turning point of the contest.
With a tricky 107 to win on Day 5, the Kiwis got the job done with eight wickets to spare and won their first Test on Indian soil since 1988. Although the tourists had bowled India out for 46 on Day 2, they staged a tremendous fightback in their second dig, taking down the 356-run lead easily. Nevertheless, New Zealand struck at the right time to bowl out for India for 462 and set themselves a chaseable total.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Latham reflected that it was a good toss to lose and lauded his bowlers for making the most of the conditions on Day 2. He also said the Kiwis were glad to chase only 107 in the fourth innings. He said:
"I thought we'd bat, good toss to lose in the end. Guys put the ball in the right areas for a long time in the first innings and got rewards. Knew India would come back and they did, bowlers showed up with the second ball.
"We know what a quality side India are, we thought the new ball would help them too, built a couple of big partnerships, hundred stand got us forward. Was nice to only be chasing a hundred."
The Black Caps faced a tricky period on Day 5, especially with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Latham and Devon Conway in an eight-over spell. However, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra found it easy as the match progressed and completed the job.
"Hard to face him in the nets" - Tom Latham on Will O'Rourke
Latham lavished praise on the 23-year-old Will O'Rourke's skillsets and observed how well Rachin Ravindra has settled into his new role. The 32-year-old stated:
"O'Rourke has been fantastic, has hit the int'l stage like he belongs. Hits the pitch hard and gets it to move in the air and off the pitch. Hard to face him in the nets. Southee and Henry too. Southee's partnership with Rachin was crucial. Rachin - a young guy who's played a few Tests, but he's slotted into a new role nicely over the last year. He settled the nerves with his batting today."
The second Test begins on October 24 in Pune.