The Indian deputy skipper, Ajinkya Rahane seems to have a foolproof strategy of countering the New Zealand bowling attack, he feels that they need to make use of the angles in the better way in Christchurch. Rahane is hoping for a turnaround despite a green top at the Hagley Oval, which he reckons will be better for batting compared to the one they got in Wellington.

On Thursday, during a media interaction, Rahane said, “I am not saying (we have to be) more aggressive but having that intent and clear mindset will help us. I think they used that angle really well in Wellington. Bowling wide of the crease or from the center, they changed angles while bowling the short balls. I think their plan was completely clear. As a batsman, if you going to think about a particular shot, then you need to back yourself and play that shot. You cannot doubt yourself. We need to forget what happened in Wellington.”

ALSO READ: Sunrisers Hyderabad Announces New Captain For IPL 2020

According to Rahane, the Indian team has been practicing to negate the awkward angle during the two net sessions at the Hagley Oval. While net sessions are important, Ajinkya Feels that it’s the instincts in match situations that counts.

Ajinkay further explained, “But to change or adjust those angles there are times you need to be instinctive while you are batting. For me, as a batsman it is important you show your intent to the bowler, if you stand in one spot then the bowler doesn’t need to change anything. These are small things we have been working on in practice and how to use the crease and the angles. It doesn’t matter how much you practice you must trust or have the belief to be able to do it in the middle.”

Cheteshwar Pujara has been immensely criticized for his slow knocks in the first Test where his painstaking 11 off 81 balls put enormous pressure on the other batsmen. Backing the Indian batsmen, Ajinkya reckons that such things happen to all batsmen.

ALSO READ: Prithvi Shaw Misses Practice Session Due To Foot Injury

While the 22-yard strip at the Hagley Oval can’t be separated from the outfield due its lush green cover, Rahane said according to Hanuma Vihari, who played for India A at the same venue there will be the good pace and bounce on this wicket.

Rahane further added, “I generally don’t see the wicket before the game. The India A guys played here and Hanuma (Vihari) was telling us that the wicket was much better. There is good pace and bounce on this wicket. We will have to see and assess the conditions very quickly on the first day of the game and play accordingly.”