New Delhi: New Zealand need to get over their defeat to Sri Lanka quickly and focus on their upcoming India Test series for which they will be on the road from October 16.
The Kiwis were beaten 0-2 in Sri Lanka and will travel to India for a three match series that begins in Bengaluru followed by matches in Pune and Mumbai.
Tim Southee’s boys lost the first Test to Sri Lanka by 63 runs and then crashed to an innings and 154-run defeat in the second game.
In both matches, they were unable to counter the spinners of Sri Lanka for whom debutant Nishan Peiris and Prabath Jayasuriya claimed a cumulative 18 wickets in the second game.
Southee acknowledged that they need to produce a far better performance against spinners in India, which is traditionally known for turning tracks.
India have won their last 17 Test series at their own backyard and currently lead Bangladesh 1-0 in a two match series with the second game underway in Kanpur.
“Tough place to come. In this match, it was a lot harder. But in the first match, we had our moments and chances. Sri Lanka are playing some great cricket. We go home, regroup and then to India – same part of the world. Always find some positives… guys looking to put pressure on the bowlers,” Southee said at a post match interaction after their loss.
The Black Caps struggled against the spinners of Sri Lanka and now must prepare to face the might of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who form a formidable spin bowling duo, particularly in Indian conditions.
Southee is aware that they need to pull up their socks to put up a fight in India.
The Kiwis were beaten 0-2 in Sri Lanka and will travel to India for a three match series that begins in Bengaluru followed by matches in Pune and Mumbai. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
