Tom Latham will be the X-factor player in the New Zealand side

Tom Latham has been good form lately

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has said that left-handed opener will be the X-factor for the Blackcaps in the upcoming series against India. The Kiwis will embark on the Indian tour which includes 3 Test matches and 5 One Day Internationals. The first Test match will start on September 22 in Kanpur.

However, Styris was quick to point out that Latham will have to be cautious against Ravichandran Ashwin, who has a great record against left-handers.

Styris also heaped praised on New Zealand captain and predicted that he will end up being one the all-time greats in the game.

“He uses his feet, is technically good, and has the temperament. He is a calm person, does not get too excited or angry about anything and has the mindset to be a strong captain. By the time he finishes his career, he will be the finest batsman New Zealand has produced. I have no doubts about that”, Styris said.

Styris, who is in India, for the Tamil Nadu Premier League, further added that the balance of the team will depend on the fitness and availability of Corey Anderson, as the burly all-rounder will add much depth to the batting line-up.

However, the former all-rounder also made a mention of the threat of Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and accepted that the Tamil Nadu bowler will be a massive factor in home conditions.

“The fact that he [Ashwin] is able to release deliveries at different speeds from the same action. The fact that he is able to release deliveries at different speeds from the same action”, Styris observed.

When asked to compare Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root, Styris said, “They are all very good. What will separate them is how many runs they get away from home, in challenging foreign conditions. This is why Tendulkar, Lara, Ponting, Dravid and Sehwag were so good.”