New Zealand had their fair shares of chances in the first two Tests against India but the failure to make those chances count cost them dearly. Trailing 2-0 in the three-match series, the visitors would be hoping to end the series on a high when they take on the hosts in the final match at Indore from September 8.
Ahead of the third Test, Shane Jurgensen, New Zealand’s bowling coach, spoke on various topics ranging from the weather conditions in Indore, pitch and much more.
Excerpts:
On the temperature in Indore compared to Kolkata:
It is certainly a lot cooler, today anyway with a lot of cloud cover. It looks like there has been a bit of rain around but it is definitely a little cooler and a little bit more pleasant. It is certainly a little bit different to where we’ve been but, still, once you train for a while you soon start to heat up. Marginally better.
On the pitch:
We had a brief look at the pitch but it can change a lot in the next 24 hours. We’ll have another look at it tomorrow. It is something we normally we are used to seeing in India but with this rain around we’ll keep a close look on [the pitch] over the next 24 hours.
On whether Kane Williamson will be available for the match:
It’s looking positive. Final confirmation on that will probably be tomorrow. We trained today and he did some batting and had a decent hit and a runaround. We’ll have another look at him tomorrow but it looks positive.
On his bowlers’ performance:
I’m very pleased about how the bowlers have gone, particularly in the second innings. I think we bowled at the times when it was the hottest and most humid, the intensity the guys brought in the second innings and to take 20 wickets and get ourselves in the game and give us an opportunity was fantastic.
On Indian bowlers:
One area I’ve been observing is the Indian bowlers are very accurate, they have developed a lot in that area. They put a lot of pressure and use subtle variations. Jadeja has improved a lot, and they know the conditions very well and they manipulate it to suit.
On the series so far:
There have been a lot of positives out of the first Test and that is what we are focussing on. Teams have come here previously and it is hard work for all nations. It’s a very unique and challenging place to play and a very special place to play. We’ve got one Test to go and right now that is the most important. We’ve got a lot to play for.
On whether they have thought of a new strategy to deal with the Indian lower order:
It is certainly an area where the Indian team has been on the improve is that all those guys can bat. I’ve got to look at areas of their weaknesses. Looking at old footage from the past few years they’ve certainly improved. Jadeja is a dangerous player … it is something that tactically we might make some changes to the way we approach that with field placements. It is just taking away what the opposition is comfortable in doing.