new zealand cricket team coach Gary Stead It is suggested that they could field three seamers for the first Test against India in Bengaluru. He acknowledged this could result in a longer tail than planned.
Preparations for Wednesday’s match in Bengaluru have focused on New Zealand’s line-up.
Off-spinner Glenn Phillips and left-armer Ajaz Patel appear to be locked in as the two spinners in the sideline, but apart from them, there is little doubt that as the team prepares for the first of three Tests, Decisions still need to be made.
before practice match M Chinnaswamy Stadium “I think the decision we have to make, based on what has been going on in the past, is do we play three seamers or do we play two seamers,” Stead said on Sunday.
“It’s interesting. When you look at the last series India just played against Bangladesh – although not at this venue – they played three games in their own conditions, so it’s possible.
If New Zealand misses their third spinner – or Mitchell Santner or Michael Bracewell – they’re going to have to bat Matt Henry or Tim Southey Located at No. 8.
Henry batted twice in this position, incidentally against India in 2016, while Southee batted 29 times in this position but has not featured regularly since the start of 2020, and both Neither really has the ability to generate runs at the position.
However, as Santner scored only 33 runs in three innings against Sri Lanka and after the pressure was lifted in the fourth innings, he scored 67 runs and took just one wicket, he was sacrificed to gain A bigger bowling threat might be a wise decision.
The question was then raised as to which three seamers to choose from Henry, Southey, Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears – since Southey resigned as captain and was replaced by Tom Latham.
Stead, speaking for the first time since the announcement, said the decision followed “private” and “delicate” conversations between him and Southee following the second Test in Sri Lanka.
“Like all Test tours and series, we have a commentary at the end. Tim and I had a chat about it and he decided to step down.
“He felt it was in the best interest of the team and I support his decision and we now move on to the next series.”
Stead said Southee’s resignation would help the team because “it allows for different players to be considered in roles.
“As a selector and coach you always try to field the team you think is the best.
“With Tim as our captain, being our starter and leading the team, we’re always looking for options that are best for the team moving forward.”
O’Rourke bowled with Southee in both Tests in Sri Lanka and took eight wickets in the opener. He then lost his wicket in the second game but failed to make a few catches on the bowling. He got off to an impressive start by taking 17 wickets after four Tests.
Southee’s departure should see Henry move into the Black Caps’ XI, allowing him to build on his fine form at home in the summer, where he took 23 wickets.
Stead said that bringing Henry in for Southee in the second Test in Galle was “not really a consideration” because “Tim is the captain and to change it after one Test, in my opinion, would be detrimental to the team.” It may do more harm than good.”
“Here in Bangalore, it’s difficult to know until we get there and see the pitch, so I’ll reserve judgment on that.”
If New Zealand does field three seamers, questions will also arise as to whether the visitors should opt for struggling Southee or Sears, whose raw pace and bounce could make India The team was even more unexpected.
Stead has backed Southee to be part of New Zealand’s squad against England at home in November.
“He certainly has the desire to do that. From my conversations with Tim, he realizes that he’s not at his best yet, but he definitely doesn’t want to get back to his best.
“He was working hard behind the scenes, doing everything he could to try and rediscover that little thing that he felt was missing.”
“Tim is working on a few little technical points,” Stead said.
“He is working with (bowling coach) Jack Oram. We have gone through a lot of film of him playing in India in previous years and being successful.
“Just trying to rediscover that and trying to incorporate a little bit, I guess you could call it quick, back into his action.”
