New Zealand pacer Hamish Bennett shared Tim Southee showed exceptional qualities when he played with pain and discomfort during the second ODI against India. They were short of a bowler when their pacer had suffered from stomach issues. But he played with this and helped his side win the game as well. He picked 2 for 41 as they won the second ODI by 22 runs on Saturday. With this, they took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
“For him to do that, it just shows how much wearing the silver fern on his chest means to him. He’s a good leader in our side and his actions have a lot to do with that and last night we saw that. He led by example, to show that no matter what the situation is, you’ve just got to go out there and get the job done,” said Bennett.
“As New Zealanders, that’s what we pride ourselves on, getting the job done, whether we’re fit or not fit. It was a pretty brave effort. Eden Park is a funny ground, it is small boundary wise and scores here haven’t been too high, as people would like to believe. It is not an easy ground to bat in the ODIs. We knew if we get early wickets we could put pressure on their batting order,” he expresed.
“They have a couple key players, and once we got them early, you can put pressure on any batting group doing that. Last night we were fortunate that our plans came off,” said Hamish Bennett.
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However, it was a debut game for pacer Kyle Jamieson who did a remarkable job. He supported veteran batsman Ross Taylor while batting. Then, he took two crucial wickets as well.
“Kyle and I have played together in Auckland. We have trained together and I remember when we were at Lincoln University nets. He bowled to Tom Latham and almost hit him on the throat. He is tall, gets that bounce and was quick as well. I have always felt there will be a time for Kyle. Being big means he would have some problems physically, but he has got over them, and now has a bright future ahead of him, no doubt,” added Bennett.
India already whitewashed New Zealand in the five-match T20I series but New Zealand bounced back well and won the ODI series by 2-0, having one left.
“Our young bowling unit has done pretty well. Energy is high in the group and we want to secure as much as we can and enjoy this challenge. We have done it well in the last two matches, although we weren’t far off in the T20s either just needed a bit of luck. Fortunately through the ODI series, luck has been on our side,” he told.
“It has been a great challenge against India. They are a world-class side and have played some great cricket on this tour. I have loved every over I have bowled in this series. I have enjoyed playing out there for my country. Humbled to do that even if it is a cliche,” Hamish Bennett concluded.
