More than the result, it’s the manner of India’s defeat in the first Test against New Zealand which has come as a surprise for experts and fans. Virat Kohli’s men were outplayed in all departments of the game in Wellington, suffering a 10-wicket drubbing in just over three days.
The batsmen looked clueless against crafty swing and seam bowling by New Zealand pacers to be dismissed for 165 and 191. It’s India’s fourth straight defeat on the tour, after the 3-0 rout in the ODI series. The lack of energy and intent is baffling. They were listless in the ODIs and it has continued in the longer version.
Vengsarkar, the former India No. 3 batsman, advised India to choose the safer option of leaving the ball, ducking or weaving out of the line. “You are never in control of the hook shot,” he said.
He also criticised India’s tactics of short-pitched bowling for the New Zealand lower order.
“We allowed the game to get away after having New Zealand at 225/7 by bowling short. The New Zealand, Australia or England batsmen are not going to get out on our short bowling. They are used to it. Their lower order got the runs and took the score to 348.”
New Zealand coach, Gary Stead, has predicted the Christchurch wicket will also offer a lot of help to the quicks. “We will always consider that (four seamers plus Colin de Grandhomme) as an option after looking at the wicket. I don’t want to make assumptions, but yes, wicket at Hagley has a wee bit in it also,” said Stead, hinting at an all pace-attack for the second game starting on February 29. With Boult and Southee firing on all cylinders, and Wagner back, there is unlikely to be any respite for the India batsmen.
