The BLACKCAPS have set their hearts on becoming just the third New Zealand team to win a Test in India.
So far the world number one ranked Indians have made it tough work for the visitors in the foreign conditions, winning both Tests with runs to spare.
Allrounder Mitchell Santner acknowledged it’s been a steep learning curve for the team, but he believes it’s one that has benefited them and they hope to show that in the final match in Indore on Saturday.
“Adapting to those conditions has been the hardest part,” he said.
“We’re always learning over here and I don’t think we’re that far off. Again it’s just a couple of sessions. We’re getting better and the more we can keep them out in the park the better - especially if they’re going to keep playing four bowlers.
“The temperature takes it out of you. It’s a different heat. You’ve got to try and switch on and off each ball. Use your drinks breaks wisely.
“It’s mainly the mental side - it’s quite fatiguing in the sun and the heat, so coping with that is pretty key.”
Santner said there was no shortage of motivation in the camp.
“There’s only two New Zealand teams who have actually won a Test over here so if we can do that it will be something special. We’ve obviously lost the series, but we’re still going to come hard this final game - it’s our nature to fight so it should be a good game.”
India have won the toss in both games and made substantial first innings runs, something the BLACKCAPS batsmen haven’t been able to match.
“I think we’re pretty close to getting it right as a unit. To get twenty wickets in the second game was pretty special. So hopefully we can back that up with the bat, get a good first innings score and go from there. But we’re adapting better to the conditions now and bowling better areas as well so I think it should be a good game this last one,” Santner said.
The team arrived in Indore late Wednesday and had an optional training on Thursday morning before the final hit out on Friday afternoon.
Captain Kane Williamson had throw downs with batting coach Craig McMillan who said the outlook was positive for the third Test.
“Kane eased back into things. He hadn’t picked up the bat for about a week so today was just about getting his body back into the rigors of batting again.
