*Official* New Zealand tour of India 2024

[Gob]

I've **** talked nz as anyone and called all of them journey men but boy if they don't **** this up, this will be absolutely monumental.

 

[Moss]

Honestly it was a freak overcast morning session collapse in the first test, otherwise even if India lost this test, they almost certainly wouldn't be losing the series.

India definitely did underestimate NZ though. Part of me thinks their minds are already focused on the Aus series and this one skipped under.

India have seen enough of most of the NZ squad over the years not to underestimate them, quite a few of them have had reasonable success even in India (if not all that sustained). But I do wonder if its a case of going by muscle memory at times (for example, Jadeja-Ashwin being outbowled by Washy and Santner - it does seem a slightly different sort of turner to the ones seen in recent times). Still some way to go in this test match, but they could well pay for being slow out of the blocks. Either way, a wake up call you’d think.

 

[straw man]

Along with Southee scoring important runs last match, Santner and Latham being NZ's key performers here is just another indicator we've stumbled into a strange alternative reality. Washington Sundar being India's best player, too. The world doesn't make sense.

Congrats to Latham, I've found him as frustrating as anyone in the last few seasons but this was a true captain's knock.

Santner would take this pitch (and maybe the ball) everywhere with him if he could, though he's bowled well to take advantage of it. It would be great for NZ's balance if he can make himself successor to Ajaz and maybe even deserve a spot in the XI at home sometimes.

I'm going to walk around with a surprised expression on my face all day.

 

[Moss]

Congrats to Latham, I've found him as frustrating as anyone in the last few seasons but this was a true captain's knock.

This knock in the context of Latham’s recent efforts is almost a microcosm of the side, the frustrating thing since WTC 2021 is how good they can be in the middle of all the losses.

 

[straw man]

Really surprised at how little control India have exerted. People have gotten on top of the Indian spinners before, it's not impossible, but the ease of scoring has really stood out. Just too easy for Latham to just tick the scoreboard over with surprisingly little risk.

Absolutely this. The last couple of times NZ have toured India it felt like every single run had to be hard-earned. The top order batters had to work extremely hard to pierce the infield - move around the crease or risk a sweep or advance down the wicket in order to make angles to score runs. Freebies were extremely rare. The top order batters could do this to an extent, though it was tough and slow, while the lower order were just stifled - they couldn't find any runs at all outside the slog and so the tail folded every time.

We're finding so many more easy singles this series. Part of it must be field placements, though tbh I don't pay as much attention to that as I should. Part of it is definitely that Ashwin and Jadeja have been less accurate this series - that's quite noticeable.

 

[straw man]

This knock in the context of Latham’s recent efforts is almost a microcosm of the side, the frustrating thing since WTC 2021 is how good they can be in the middle of all the losses.

Yes agreed. I guess Latham was unironically The Specialist player of spin for a while, but it's a long time in all formats since he's thrived in turning conditions. This is a throwback to 3+ years ago.

 

[Smudge]

Just watched highlights of this test really, so haven't got a full sense of things. Can I check though - is this just another case of NZ getting the rub of the green against India? Asking for a friend.

 

[straw man]

Just a case of lucky New Zealand luckily winning the toss and batting first in India for the first time in a decade I think.

 

[Frost]

Considering NZ are without a couple of their best players it's a great effort.
Nz have had a clear plan to counter the spin which is obviously Indias best weapon, I think that has helped alot.
Mitchell, Phillips, Blundell might just be guys who struggle in these conditions, which is ok every player isn't going to be great in all conditions. The only worry is Blundell, and more so his keeping.
Lathem as a capitan has be great. I genuinely feel this side( when fully fit) will become better than the one that won the WTC.

 

[thundaboult]

what in the hell?? mitchell santner with 7 wickets against india with a red ball?? huh? what

 

[JBH001]

Logging in after many years to say that if we win this it would be absolutely phenomenal. Watching this series unfold has been both unsettling, the normal order overturned as it were, and stunning. Let's go BCs!

 

[nightprowler10]

2nd post on 10 years. Fair effort.

 

[NZTailender]

2nd post on 10 years. Fair effort.

Some people in this thread should take note from this methodology imo

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Mitchell, Phillips, Blundell might just be guys who struggle in these conditions, which is ok every player isn't going to be great in all conditions. The only worry is Blundell, and more so his keeping.

Mitchell still with a case of the dropsies in the slips, I understand though?

 

[Gob]

Some people in this thread should take note from this methodology imo

Hopefully king kane

 

[AndyZaltzHair]

Looks like India and Pakistan reversed role in a matter of week

 

[thundaboult]

Mitchell still with a case of the dropsies in the slips, I understand though?

4 things in this world that are a constant

death
taxes
us using india as a whippin boy to get back in form after losing to everyone else
mitchell dropping catches in slips but continuing to be there for years

india should be ashamed how do you let a guy like santner take 7 wickets against you on your OWN turning pitches in a red ball game

seriously tho well done sants that's a perception changing performance sir

 

[Frost]

Mitchell still with a case of the dropsies in the slips, I understand though?

Fair point, maybe move him out of slips. I'm sure there are other who can feild there

 

[wellAlbidarned]

Absolutely this. The last couple of times NZ have toured India it felt like every single run had to be hard-earned. The top order batters had to work extremely hard to pierce the infield - move around the crease or risk a sweep or advance down the wicket in order to make angles to score runs. Freebies were extremely rare. The top order batters could do this to an extent, though it was tough and slow, while the lower order were just stifled - they couldn't find any runs at all outside the slog and so the tail folded every time.

We're finding so many more easy singles this series. Part of it must be field placements, though tbh I don't pay as much attention to that as I should. Part of it is definitely that Ashwin and Jadeja have been less accurate this series - that's quite noticeable.

need to do some analysis on this but I think we're batting way more proactively than past teams against spin. My memories of previous India tours are a lot of nervous prodding from the crease, most of this team are very confident getting down the wicket. Also the reverse sweeps.

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

Along with Southee scoring important runs last match, Santner and Latham being NZ's key performers here is just another indicator we've stumbled into a strange alternative reality. Washington Sundar being India's best player, too. The world doesn't make sense.

Congrats to Latham, I've found him as frustrating as anyone in the last few seasons but this was a true captain's knock.

Santner would take this pitch (and maybe the ball) everywhere with him if he could, though he's bowled well to take advantage of it. It would be great for NZ's balance if he can make himself successor to Ajaz and maybe even deserve a spot in the XI at home sometimes.

I'm going to walk around with a surprised expression on my face all day.

Blundell to make 5 magnificent stumpings in the next innings.