The Indian deputy skipper, Ajinkya Rahane reckons India will be looking to score around 320 in the first-innings of the Wellington Test against New Zealand on a bouncy Basin Reserve. He also termed calling New Zealand the favourites going into the first Test starting in Wellington on Friday.
Ahead of the first Test of the two-match series, Rahane said, “I think New Zealand are favourites in their home conditions. I still feel the host country remains favourite because they know what to bowl and batsmen are aware of what shots to play. As a unit, we need to learn and adapt quickly as New Zealand grounds have different angles.”
While 320 may not be a big score, Rahane has complete confidence in the world-class pace attack of the Indian team, which has shown the ability to pick 20 wickets in overseas conditions.
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Talking about the same, Ajinkya said, “We know that our bowlers can take wickets in any condition but suppose you lose the toss and have to bat first, you should know that you are in the right kind of mindset actually to go out there and tackle those situations. They should have the belief to take 20 wickets on flat tracks.”
While Rahane termed the hosts as the favorites, he feels that his teammates are enjoying the phase where the current batch under Virat Kohli is expected to win Test series outside the sub-continent following their historic series win in Australia last year.
In recent times, the Indian team management has preferred Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin. Still, Rahane feels the latter will be getting some turn due to the moisture underneath the surface.
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Rahane further explained, “It might spin a bit because of the moisture and dampness of the wicket, maybe during the first session every day. I am not sure about the other sessions. New Zealand generally tracks after two days become good to bat on. Spinners’ role will be crucial because both Ashwin and Jadeja are wicket-takers. If any of them gets an opportunity, they will do well.”
While Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw don’t have much of an experience, Rahane just like his skipper reckons that the two youngsters will succeed because of their positive approach.
