It’s backs to the wall for the BLACKCAPS as they try and keep their hopes of a first ever ODI series win in India alive.
A couple of tight tussles in games two and three has the hosts leading the five fixture series 2-1 heading into tonight’s do or die match in Ranchi (9pm NZT).
Although they know only victory will do, opener Tom Latham believes his side must stick to their guns to draw level again.
“We’re not far away,” Latham told a busy press conference on game eve in Ranchi.
“We prepare the same for every game and the good thing about this group is that when things aren’t going well we don’t get too down and visa-versa when things are going well we don’t get too high.
“It’s important that we make the subtle adjustments here. Everyone’s trying very hard to find that perfect performance and we’re certainly looking forward to having another chance to do that.”
After a travel day from Mohali the team have had just one training to get used to the different conditions at the JCA Stadium in Ranchi.
“Every surface has been quite different and this one certainly looks a lot different to the Mohali wicket,” Latham said.
“The pitch looks very bare and there’s not much grass on it, but they can change a fair bit in a day so we will wait and see what it looks like for the match.
Latham’s been in good touch this tour, notching five fifties from six matches, although it’s a century on India soil that he wants.
“It’s nice to be getting myself into those situations and hopefully if I do it again then I can kick on for a big score because it’s the big scores that count. You look at Virat the other night, he got into the position and won the game.”
You can follow all the build up and behind the scenes action here on our website and via our Twitter @BLACKCAPS and Instagram @BLACKCAPSNZ accounts.
