They're not trying to bowl long hops. They're just not as good as Ashwin and Jadeja. Ashwin and Jadeja FC averages 26 + 23. NZ trio 42 + 42 + 47. NZ's best spin option was to work a deal with Jeets to join the tour for 2nd and 3rd tests, although a shame that Astle hasn't had a chance at this level.Really disappointing from the NZ spinners, plenty there if you can hit the right areas, but only landing 1 in 6 and getting the pace wrong. Learned nothing from Jadeja & Ashwin sadly.
NZ spinners here is a little like the Sri Lankan seamers in NZ over the last few summers. Tried hard, had a couple of 2-3 wicket spells, but not as good as Tim / Trent so relied on their batting to save them / win them games (which Sanga almost did). Same for NZ bowlers on the subcontinent, won't out-bowl the opposition so need big runs to give the bowlers a chance. Our wins have come from Taylor / KW / BMac 100s.