Sachin Tendulkar is not surprised by the wind challenge faced by Kohli & Co in Wellington simply because he encountered the same
India�s Cheteshwar Pujara walks back to the pavilion after being cleaned up by New Zealand�s pace ace Trent Boult for 11 on Day Three of the opening Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday. Pic/AFP
When a player like Sachin Tendulkar says it is difficult to negotiate the wind factor at Wellington-s Basin Reserve, he ought to be taken seriously.
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Tendulkar on Sunday elaborated on why battling the wind is a massive challenge just like the Indian batsmen are experiencing in the ongoing opening Test of the two-match series against New Zealand.
Virat Kohli-s Indians were bowled out for 165 in the first innings and ended Day Three with 144 for four after New Zealand claimed a healthy lead of 183. India-s premier batsman Ajinkya Rahane who stayed unbeaten with 25 on Sunday, said before the series that the wind factor would be a hurdle. "Jinks [Rahane-s nickname] is correct and I can speak from experience as well. It-s difficult to bat against the wind. It hurts your body and one tends to close his eyes. You have to spot those deliveries that come at speed. One can miss the line as well," Tendulkar told mid-day, recalling the 1998 Test there.
He added: "Daniel Vettori [left-arm spinner] was bowling and I tried to go out my crease, but I suddenly discovered that the ball drifted to the slips. You have to control the wind while batting and this is where it is very challenging."
India were bowled out for 208 in that Test with skipper Mohammed Azharuddin carving a fine 103 even as current television commentator Simon Doull claimed 7 for 65. Tendulkar followed up his first innings 47 with 113, but the visitors still ended up losing by four wickets with Doull claiming 2 for 49.
Although India seem to have their back to the wall in the current Test, Tendulkar felt a substantial partnership followed by a good performance from India-s strong bowling attack will cause a shift in fortunes.
The Test series in Kiwiland has afforded opening batsman Prithvi Shaw his first overseas experience and he has failed to hit the high notes in both innings. Is he adopting an attacking approach too early? "Prithvi will learn as he goes along. The more you play, the better you will get," said Tendulkar, who provided a similar response to a question relating to India-s foibles with the moving ball. The Basin Reserve has not been a happy hunting ground for India. The only win in seven previous Tests there was witnessed in 1967-68.
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