Craig McMillan was known for his mentally tough approach to batting. Nothing would perturb him. His impact as the team’s batting coach was evident in Kane Williamson and Tom Latham showing exemplary composure at the crease on the second day of the first Test here.
“Mental [focus] plays a big part,” said McMillan. “Not getting flustered, being comfortable in those conditions and being comfortable with the ball beating the outside edge and not letting that worry you. Both guys soaked up the pressure throughout.”
India’s batting coach Sanjay Bangar lamented that the team did not build on the good start.
“Five or six batsmen got starts, a couple of our batsmen got fifties as well, but it’s very important on such a wicket where run scoring is a bit of a grind that someone who gets set makes sure that he contributes substantially.
“It’s unfortunate that none of the batsmen who got starts could convert it into a big knock.”
Bangar noted that the opposition was prepared.
“Every touring team comes out with a plan. They applied themselves well. If you look back into the game, we were in a similar position.
“We were 150 odd for one at one point of time. When the ball starts to get older and batsmen tire a bit, you get a breakthrough. It can then be a totally different ball game. Williamson batted the same way that Vijay and Pujara batted for us.
On batsmen using the sweep, McMillan said, “It’s a very individual thing but the use of your feet and the sweep are really important to be successful in India.
“If the Indians do it, great that’s their style.
“Some of our guys do. Kane and Tom were quite comfortable playing the sweep today while some other guys in our side are not as comfortable. When you are facing quality spinners it is an important shot to have.”
Sticking to the gameplanMcMillan praised Latham and Williamson. “Their discipline, they stuck to their game plans and when the Indian bowlers missed we jumped all over it.
“I thought the way they rotated the strike with that left and right-hand combination throughout the partnership was crucial. They just worked really hard and showed how hard it is out there.
“This surface is still playing pretty well, but there are a few balls taking off and turning. All-in-all the self-discipline from both those guys throughout the partnership was crucial.”
