Rohit Sharma: New Zealand series will be ‘different’ because of the bowling attack we have now!

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Image Courtesy: PTI/cricket.com.au

Every cricket team that has ever gone on a tour of New Zealand knows the one infamous nightmare- the indomitable and unconquerable lethality of the bowling action of the Black Caps on their home soil. The Indian cricket team is well aware of this. From the disappointing test series loss back in 2014, to even the defeat in the T20 tour last year. While another tour of New Zealand is coming up, Team India’s stormy opener Rohit Sharma sheds positivity on the outcome.

Image Courtesy: PTI/cricket.com.au

Rohit Sharma was on a special interview session with the Press Trust of India. While the white ball expert discussed his path to success in Test cricket, he stated that the loss to New Zealand in the past has little chance of repatation, as the Men in Blues now have gained alot of momentum in the bowling department.

Rohit said to PTI: “New Zealand is not the easiest place to play cricket. Last time, we lost the Test series (0-1) but we gave a good fight. But this bowling attack of ours is completely different from what we had back then.”

From the novice days of Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav, to the rise of superstar pacers such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah, the foundation of India’s bowling squad has strengthened at its core.

However, the New Zealand bowlers also pack a punch. The likes of Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be a tough hurdle on an already challenging environment away from home, as Rohit continues: “For me personally, it’s going to be a challenge without doubt, facing the new ball bowlers and the guys who bowl in the middle overs.”

While the red ball behaviour is a lot more manageable at home soil that it is on outside, the 32 year old reminded of India’s recent rout of South Africa at home, where Kohli and co thrashed the Proteas 3-0 in the test series back in October 2019.

“Facing the new ball in any conditions is not that easy. Of course, it’s lot tougher outside India. But then, we played three Test matches against South Africa and I have never seen the ball swing so much in India like it did in Pune (second Test),” Rohit recalled the different behaviour of the ball in the SA tests.

The Mumbaiker had a stunning spell in the series, scoring 176 and 127 in both innings of the first test, and finishing with a blistering knock of 212 runs in the third and final day at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

Rohit continued: “The first few overs that they (SA) bowled, the pitch was damp and so they got pretty much everything out of it. In Ranchi (where he got a double hundred) also, we were three down in no time.”

The NZ series 6 years ago saw a 1-0 win for the hosts, as the first Test at Eden Park saw the visitors suffering a defeat of 40 runs. The second and final test at Basin Reserve was a draw as Rohit managed to make a score of 31 runs in the second innings.

“But I know what to expect as I have been there the last time [2014 New Zealand series]. Not the easiest of conditions but I will be ready for that challenge.” Rohit added.

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