Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman was not at all impressed with the captaincy tactics which were employed by the Indian captain, Virat Kohli. India had made a good start to Day three as they got the early wicket of wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling. Furthermore, they were able to dismiss Tim Southee early. But the hosts added 132 runs for the last three wickets to get a healthy lead of 183 runs.
Laxman believes the Indian captain took his foot off the pedal as he was a tad defensive when the second new ball was taken. India has had its issues in getting rid of the tail and the same issue came back to haunt the visitors.
Laxman lashes out at Kohli’s strategies.
New Zealand’s debutant Kyle Jamieson scored an imperative knock of 44 runs whereas Trent Boult smashed 24-ball 38 to take the lead to 183 runs. India had got themselves back in the match but New Zealand’s tail was able to wag around.
“After getting Tim Southee’s wicket, India let off New Zealand, at one stage it seemed they would not get even 100 runs lead but the partnership between Jamieson and Colin de Grandhomme got them to 183 runs lead. India will be ruing the fact – they were very defensive, tactics used by Virat Kohli were not right, especially when the second new ball was in operation.,” Laxman told the host broadcasters at the Tea interval.\
Furthermore, Laxman lashed out at the Indian captain for his stratagem with the new ball. Kohli gave the new ball to Ravichandran Ashwin and this didn’t impress Laxman one bit. Laxman went on to add that Kohli’s blunder can cost India the Test match.
“I feel that the field settings by Virat Kohli was not right for the situation, especially with the new ball. Because when you are playing in overseas conditions, the new ball has a massive impact. In four overs he brought on Ravichandran Ashwin, I mean you have 3 quality fast bowlers you expect them to bowl at the tail. Virat Kohli missed a trick and this can cost India the Test match,” he went on to add.
New Zealand is in the commanding position as India lags behind by 39 runs at the end of Day three. The Kiwis bowlers have bowled their hearts out and have taken four wickets to leave the visitors stuttering.