In his first outing in India, Tom Latham scored 55 off 97 balls before retiring in the first innings in New Zealand’s warm-up match against Mumbai in New Delhi. Latham saw off the new ball as he patiently built his innings. Mumbai’s new ball bowlers, especially Balwinder Sandhu made the most of the morning conditions as he drew an edge from Martin Guptill through to the wicketkeeper. Speaking about the help that the pacers got upfront, the opener said, “There was a little bit of shape early on, the odd one nipped back a little bit. The new ball is going to be crucial for both teams. The ball is going to swing and if both teams can use that well then I am sure will get a chance of getting wickets early on. Hopefully our bowlers can do that in the morning as well.”
While Latham batted at unhurried pace, his captain, Kane Williamson plundered runs of the Mumbai attack. As the innings progressed, the batsmen to follow too gleaned runs of the Mumbai bowlers with ease. The spinners too were lofted for sixes as they maintained a steady flow of runs. Speaking about his team’s batting after they had posted 324 before declaring their innings, he said, “Thinking of the ways the guys adapted to the conditions today was important. The ball wasn’t necessarily turning that big. Now using the feet, coming down the wicket and to go over was a good method and I think most of the guys spent enough time at the crease, so that will put them in good stead for the next few days.”
Talking about their mindset, Latham said, “I think all we can do is play. The time the guys spent in the middle was crucial to get used to the conditions and familiarise themselves to the game plan. It might turn a little bit more in the (Test) match but we got to go out there and we are happy with that.” Discussing his batting, he further added, “Once you spend time at the crease you will get runs. I think it is more about applying the game plan and getting used to the conditions. We have certainly got what we need here and certainly put men in good stead.”
While they are working to adapt to the pitch and ground conditions in India, weather too is a factor for the New Zealand players. Speaking about acclimatising to the heat and humidity he said, “That morning session was the hardest out there. I had to change the gloves. We have been here a few days and probably haven’t adapted to the heat quite yet but another day out in the park would help to acclimatise quickly.”
