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New Zealand coach looking to counter Ashwin
AUCKLAND: New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is aware of the threat Ravichandran Ashwin could pose to his batsmen in the upcoming Test series in India and hinted at the
AUCKLAND: New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is aware of the threat Ravichandran Ashwin could pose to his batsmen in the upcoming Test series in India and hinted at the possibility of fielding three spinners depending on the conditions.
Hesson is impressed with the way his team’s spinners — Mark Craig, Ish Sodhi and Michell Santner — have evolved despite playing only 34 Tests combined.
“Seamers if anything might bowl two-three overs up front and it’s more likely they’re going to have spin at one end to start with if they’re going to play three of them. And if you’ve got two lefthanders against Ashwin at the top it’s going to be a big challenge for us. We have to assess conditions and pick what we think is the right mix,” Hesson said.
Ahead of one of his toughest assignments, the 41-year-old praised his young spin bowling unit that is expected to play a crucial role in India.
“They’re a young spin-bowling group. Probably Ish and Mitch have found white-ball cricket a little easier than Test cricket,” Hesson said. “They’re both evolving nicely and it’s about giving them opportunity.”
