The BLACKCAPS are banking on the experiences of their three day warm up match in New Delhi, serving them well come Thursday’s first Test against India in Kanpur.
With the exception of Tim Southee (ankle injury) and Jimmy Neesham (rib injury), the entire squad got a good go against the Mumbai XI and learned a lot according to centurion Luke Ronchi.
“We’re in foreign conditions and they know the conditions so they showed us how you can play on these sorts of wickets and what can be done.
“Obviously spin is a big thing and they took our spinners down later in the day. We’v got to play better to bowl teams like that out and then play even better if we want to be beat India,” Ronchi said.
Although the New Delhi pitch was greener than what is expected in Kanpur, the BLACKCAPS wicket keeper batsman felt it dried out enough to create some key scenarios.
“We got some definite learnings from that. Getting used to a wicket which was changing for the whole game for everyone. Playing on a track that was deteriorating and guys having to face a lot more spin there at the end with the ball doing a few more different things.”
Ronchi himself staked a claim for the first Test by scoring a polished century after being asked to open the batting in the second innings.
“I just always want to contribute more than anything, anyway I can. It’s nice to make runs, but it’s more about just being involved and helping out the team to perform well.
“My gameplan is pretty much to try and get off strike. So if the field’s in then I have to get them out, so I’ll hit a few over the top and that creates a few more gaps. The best way to bat for as long as possible is to get to the other end and then you just work with your partner for as long as you possibly can.”
“If I’m playing (in the first Test) and batting at eleven I’m more than happy - whatever role they ask of me I won’t say no, that’s for sure.”
The team transferred to Kanpur on Monday and Ronchi said they felt right on course for Thursday’s series opener.
“We’ve had training sessions and a three day game which has been beneficial for everyone. We’ll have net sessions this week before the Test and the guys will be making the most of that and working out game plans for the different batters and bowlers that we’ll face.”
The match will be India’s 500th ever Test and a great occasion according to Ronchi.
“Anytime you play India in India in general is pretty awesome. I guess it will be quite a big celebration to have played that many Tests and to be part of that will be pretty cool.”
