NZ optimistic about spin-friendly pitch in Pune Test

New Zealand captain Tom Latham believes that if faced with a spin-friendly pitch in Pune for the second Test against India, his side will be able to take advantage.

After India lost the opening Test due to surprisingly favourable conditions for seam bowlers that left the hosts all out for 46 in the first innings, many are expecting the next pitch to give India’s spinners an edge.

But if the surface does end up being slow and dry with plenty of grip from day one, Latham is confident the Black Caps can adapt.

“I guess whatever we’re presented with, it’s about, for us, trying to adapt as quick as we can,” he said on the eve of the second Test, which starts on Thursday.

“That’s something that we can’t control with the wicket.

“So, it’s about trying to go out there and adapt as quick as we can.

“If it’s going to be a wicket that turns a little bit more, then we’ve obviously got four spinners in our line-up, so fingers crossed that will play into their hands.

“But as I said, it’s about trying to adapt on the run, and try not to go into the game with too many preconceived ideas.”

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Rachin Ravindra — whose 173 runs in Bengaluru landed him the player of the match award — agrees with Latham and is excited by the prospect of a turning wicket.

“If you win the toss, all of a sudden you take a couple of wickets and you’re right into the game on a wicket that’s pretty spicy and turns a lot,” he said.

“As a team, it’s about accepting what’s in front of us. We can’t change that.

“We can’t control what wicket they’re going to roll out.

“But we can control our attitude, how we approach it, and each and every position we get into with the bat or consistency with the ball.

“We’re excited for the challenge, whatever it may be.”

Ajaz Patel led New Zealand’s spin attack in the first Test, with the leftie supported by all-rounders Ravindra and Glenn Phillips.

Veterans Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi are also options the Kiwis could call upon if conditions dictate.

Despite the Black Caps’ optimism, cricket betting sites are firmly in favour of India levelling the series in Pune.

Bovada has the home side at just -357.14 to win, while New Zealand are long odds of +475 to prevail.

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