John Wright has expressed surprise over India’s poor recent overseas record but believes the team can bounce back in the second Test over New Zealand.
The former India and Black Caps coach, now in charge of Mumbai Indians, is in Bangalore ahead of the IPL auction here.
“It surprises me actually [that India has not won a Test abroad since June 2011]; I did not realise that,” Wright said on Monday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he was keenly following action from the Irani Cup.
“Sourav (Ganguly), Rahul (Dravid) and Sachin (Tendulkar) were very keen to win away from home. They were very special.”
It was the first-innings performance that cost India the game, Wright felt. “When you concede a lead of 300, it’s very difficult to come back into the game. But they had an opportunity to win the Test (second innings). They needed one more partnership towards the end. The last 100 runs are always difficult to chase,” he said.
The second Test, which begins in Wellington on Friday, would also throw up a result, Wright stated. “Given the conditions at Wellington, there will be a result. It is a fair wicket; the ball moves around. But India can stage a comeback; did they not play well in South Africa?”
New Zealand impressiveWright, coach of his native New Zealand until stepping down in 2012, was impressed by the side’s display. “They have been pretty consistent. There are also some good youngsters coming through. New Zealand is generally a tough place to tour; most teams find it tough.”
