New Zealand, fresh from their ODI series win, will look to trump India in a two-match Test series, who come to this series on the back seven consecutive Test wins. As Virat Kohli & Co prepare to face a stern test from the Kiwi pacers, former India cricketer VVS Laxman has batted for the inclusion of six batsmen in Wellington Test which will start from February 21 (Friday).
So far, the tour has witnessed a close contest between both the nations. While India have swept the five-match T20I series, New Zealand returned the favour in the three ODIs. And now it remains to be seen who takes the Test series and take a strong leap in the ICC World Test Championship. India, who are at the top in the points table will face difficult challenges against the likes of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and debutant Kyle Jamieson.
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To tackle the in-form Kiwi pacers, the former cricketer-turned commentator has advised fielding six batsmen in the first Test. In his column in TOI, the 46-year-old picked incumbent Wriddhiman Saha ahead of Rishabh Pant for the wicket-keeping role alongside three pacers and one spinner among Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
“In a short away series, I would prefer India play six batsmen, Wriddhiman Saha as the wicketkeeper and three quicks among the four bowlers," Laxman wrote.
Furthermore, VVS Laxman seemed mighty impressed with Hanuma Vihari, who geared up for the Test series with a century. Vihari is likely to slot in the middle-order should India play six batsmen in the first Test.
“I was pleased that Hanuma Vihari made a century in Hamilton (warm-up game). He has had to sit out whenever India have played five bowlers, and time spent in the middle with Chesteshwar Pujara for company will stand him in good stead once the Tests start," Laxman concluded.