"There is a misconception that India are good at playing spin" - Simon Doull criticizes hosts after dismal batting display in 2nd IND vs NZ Test 2024
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull took exception to the notion that the Indian batters are adept at playing spin during Day 2 of the second India-New Zealand in Pune. His assessment came after the hosts collapsed in their first innings to be bowled out for a dismal 156.
The Kiwi spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips picked up nine out of the ten wickets with the former finishing with career-best Test figures of 7/53 in 19.3 overs.
Speaking on Sports18 as quoted by India Today, Doull said:
"There is a misconception that India are good at playing spin. They are like everyone else. Gone are the days of Sachin, Ganguly, or Dravid. Now, they are the same as everyone else. As soon as a good spinner comes in, they are in trouble. We saw that in the IPL, as soon as the ball started to spin, they were in trouble and started complaining."
On the same pitch, the Kiwi batters have adapted brilliantly, thanks to the terrific usage of their feet and playing the sweep shot to negate the Indian spinners.
After scoring a competitive 259 in their first essay, the Black Caps are currently on 198/5 at stumps on Day 2 with an overall lead of 301 runs.
"This is worse than 46 all out" - Ian Smith
Another former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith felt India's first innings performance in the ongoing second Test was even worse than their showing in the series opener at Bengaluru.
Rohit Sharma's Men posted their lowest total at home in Tests of 46 in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test. Smith said during his on-air commentary (via CricketAddictor):
"Well, this is worse that 46 all out if you ask me. This is some poor batting and shot selection. I can understand the first Test, but instead of playing themselves in, batting for time, India for some reason, are going after the bowling. They think they can just bash this New Zealand bowling line-up. This is only Day 2 of the Test match. There is ample time to go but the way India are playing, none of them are going to be here that long."
India are now in dire trouble of losing a first home Test series since 2012/13 when they lost 1-2 to England.
New Zealand won the opening Test by eight wickets and currently hold all the aces heading into the third day of the ongoing second Test.