“It was a mix of everything. [It is] In fact, it is a particular feeling to be in this place. I think the work we did in the first and second innings with the ball and more clearly with the bat, really set up the game for us. “It is clearly a proud moment for this team and the only one we can praise.”
Latham was effusive in his praise for Ravindra, who played a key role in extending New Zealand’s lead beyond the 350 mark in the first innings, followed by 39 not out in the second when New Zealand were two down early in the the chase with the ball doing quite a bit on the last morning.
Ravindra, who has only ten Tests, showed his composure as he forged an eighth-wicket partnership of 137 with Southee in the first innings after the visitors had slipped to 233 for 7.
“The best way he [Ravindra] “The status of the sport was really impressive for us,” Latham said. “A 137-run partnership with Negative. 9 batsman is superior. I think the way he performed is as important as that. [second] The pristine ball was once truly impressive.
“Even this morning, the way he came out with the game on the line where there were another couple of wickets there and it could have been nervous runs of 50-60, but I think the way he calmed the dressing room with his composure during That a guy young man in his ninth or tenth test to play like that is obviously exciting.
“We have unlocked the talent that has been brought to him over the last year and we are certainly happy to have him on our side.”
Despite bowling out India for 46 in the first innings and then amassing 402 when they batted, New Zealand had to work hard to win. India responded strongly in their second innings, erasing the deficit losing just three wickets with Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant looking for more.
The second new ball, however, brought about a change of fortune as India collapsed from 433 for 4 to 462 all out and New Zealand had to chase just 107.
“From our point of view, we knew that the Republic of India was going to come back,” Latham said. “From a terrain point of view, it’s definitely easier over the two days [three and four] for a while to bat, so we undoubtedly knew it was becoming an issue against the Republic of India, who clearly have a quantity of firepower in that lineup. They certainly question us, they ask good questions, and clearly taking advantage of the position they were in was clearly an attempt to do so.
“But the work we did with the new ball last night was exceptional. I think Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke with that new ball asked a lot of questions and obviously reaped the rewards.
“At that time we knew that the Republic of India was trying to recover in sport and, without a doubt, [we were] I’m just glad we weren’t chasing too many more than 100.”
While Latham had led New Zealand in nine Tests previously, this was his first since being named full-time captain after Southee resigned after the Sri Lanka series last month. He cheekily admitted that he was “more than happy” to lose the toss on the second morning, as he too would have opted to bat first. The opening day was washed out due to rain and with the pitch covered for most of the two days, New Zealand got India’s batting unit going.
“They [India] “They certainly make it difficult for us, they keep asking good questions and clearly getting an advantage in the position they were in was clearly a great try.”
“I guess it’s just one of those moments where you fall on the wrong side or the right side, no matter how you look at it, it’s always hardened,” he said. “I suppose on the date the wicket was under the covers, they clearly didn’t have the preparation date which they would surely have appreciated and [I am] I’m glad it was the right medium for us.
“I think you have to try to see what will be more difficult. Will it be more difficult on the first day or will it be more difficult on the fifth day? We hope that the game lasts the whole game and I think I even saw it this morning when [Ravindra] Jadeja pulled him out of the foot marks that hit Rachin on the head.
“Clearly the pitch was deteriorating. The cracks were created to get a little bit more clean and we certainly noticed that from a closer’s standpoint when the ball hit those cracks they went up and got a little bit sick. I guess it’s a big deal. stability when you come here and there’s not over and over again you win the toss and the toss. So yeah, I’m glad it fell on the right side.”
“Yes, it’s clearly been a good morning for New Zealand cricket from our point of view, but it can confidently be a very good month for New Zealand cricket,” Latham said. “Clearly the boys had been following the tournament a bit and we are clearly excited after they won that semi-final and I think being in the place now with the prospect of winning a T20 International Cup is clearly a reality.” In particular, a success for them.”
