New Delhi: The Indian team led by Rohit Sharma was devastated in the first Test against New Zealand. India had to face a crushing defeat by 8 wickets on Sunday in Bengaluru. New Zealand was given a target of only 107 runs. New Zealand captain Tom Latham has made an interesting revelation after winning the Bengaluru Test. Latham’s ‘bad luck’ brightened New Zealand’s luck.
Latham said that he was saved from making a mistake like Rohit due to losing the toss. Actually, not a single ball could be bowled on the first day of the match due to rain. On the second day, Rohit won the toss and chose to bat, which was a wrong decision. Rohit himself has admitted his mistake. India’s first innings were reduced to just 46 runs, in which five players returned at zero. In response, New Zealand took a strong lead by scoring 402 runs in the first innings.
“It’s good we lost the toss’, team India made a strong comeback by scoring 462 runs in the second innings but the loss in the first innings cost them. After winning the first Test, Latham said, “We also thought that we would choose to bat first. It’s good that we lost the toss.” He said, “We bowled in the right areas for a long time and got the result. The first two innings set the game for us. We knew that India would make a comeback in the third innings but the bowlers bowled well with the second new ball. We know how good a team India is on its home ground. We saw what the new ball did for us, so we expected the same from them.” Latham praised Rachin Ravindra (134) and Tim Southee (65), who added 137 runs for the eighth wicket.
‘Rachin adapted to a new role’:
The New Zealand captain said, “I think the partnership between Rachin and Southee took us forward when the game seemed balanced. It was good to chase only 100. O’Rourke has been brilliant at the international level. He has the ability to move the ball at a fast pace and bounce, in the air and outside the wicket. He also got the support of experienced Southee and Matt Henry. The way Southee bowled in the first innings set a great rhythm. We know how much potential Southee has with the bat. Rachin has adapted to a new role in the last 12 months. He showed his class in the first innings. He batted brilliantly again today.”
Rachin remained unbeaten by scoring 39 runs in the second innings. He received the Player of the Match award. The second match of the three-match Test series will be played in Pune from October 24.
