Huge total is key, says Guptill
Hyderabad, Nov. 12: Their encouraging performance on Day One of the second Test against India at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (RGICS) notwithstanding, New Zealand is looking to consolidate their position in the next four days.
With Tim McIntosh (102) and Martin Guptill (85) coming good with the bat, the visitors believe the hosts could be challenged if a total in excess of 500 is made. “I think 500 will be a good score on this wicket and we would then hope that our bowlers do the job and put pressure on India,” Guptill said at the end of the day’s play on Friday.
On the 147-run second wicket stand with McIntosh, Guptill said, “We both were backing ourselves in the first session and grew in confidence once we stayed at the wicket for some time. The aim was to wait patiently for the loose deliveries and execute our shots.”
On India’s bowling, the right-hander said, “I think the Indians bowled in a lot of demanding areas and put us under some pressure.”
On the Kiwis tackling the Indian spinners with aplomb, Guptill said, “We have worked very hard in that particular aspect. We knew that the Indian spinners will be operating for the better part of the day and were up for the task.”
Speaking about his dismissal off the bowling of Sreesanth which was declared a no-ball and the batsman recalled when he had almost made his way out of the ground, Guptill said, “I was angry at myself for playing that shot. But when it turned out to be a no-ball, I returned and began to play more cautiously and bide my time.”
On the surface at the RGICS, Guptill, “This surface has more bounce than the one at Ahmedabad. There is something in it for everyone.”
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