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New Zealand coach calls for seaming wickets

Special Correspondent

HAMILTON: New Zealand’s coach Andy Moles has called for seaming wickets in the two remaining Tests to counter India’s batting. But the track at the McLean Park in Napier, the venue for the second Test, has suffered a fungal attack, affecting preparations.

“Aesthetically, it won’t be pleasing on the eye (sic) but the groundsman is confident it will play well enough,” said Andy Moles.

“I believe they have moved the wicket 2-3 feet, so it’s half on the original wicket and half on the surface where the one-dayer was played. We need a typical New Zealand wicket where it nips for about a couple of days so it brings our seamers into the game against their batting attack which is used to the ball being true and turning a bit.”

Added Moles: “We’ve seen in the past they don’t like the ball when it goes sideways a little bit — that’s our best way of nullifying their batters. If the wicket is very dry it can turn a lot, which is obviously something we don’t want to experience down there.”

Changes in team

“New Zealand is considering changes to its squad for the second Test. Jeet (Jeetan Patel) will come back; he is doing well in his game,” said Moles. “I think he scored 44 today (for Wellington) to go with his five-for. We will obviously need cover for (Daniel) Flynn, he has got a bruised left hand, and also for (Iain) O’Brien, who has a side strain. Jacob Oram is a world-class player. I think he got through 15 overs (in the domestic game), I am sure he will come into the picture.”

Moles promised a smarter, tougher performance from New Zealand in the remainder of the series.

“We have a review process, we travel to Napier, we will have two hard practice sessions, plus reviews on our team and the Indians, on how we can do things better, and I can promise you that Indians will face a lot sterner examination than they did in the first Test match.”

New Zealand had net and gym sessions on Sunday, what should have been the final day of the first Test. The side will travel to Napier on Monday. The Indian team departed for Auckland on Sunday.

It will practise at the Eden Park on Tuesday before travelling to Napier. The second Test gets underway on Thursday.

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