Former India player turned coach Wasim Jaffer feels that Team India should make a better bowling plan against the in-form New Zealand batter Tom Latham. However, the Indian bowling failed to restrict Latham’s exploits in the middle overs during the first ODI.
However, he smashed a career-high ODI score of 145* as New Zealand successfully chased down 307 at Eden Park in Auckland as well. Notably, Latham successfully smashed the spinners with his skill to sweep and exploited the short boundaries as well. Meanwhile, captain Kane Williamson played the anchor’s role at the other end, scoring an unbeaten 94 off 98 deliveries.
Wasim Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo: “India should look to bowl better in the third ODI and try to come up with a better plan against Latham. Irrespective of the result, we want to see a good game of cricket. Indian fans have to go through so much trouble to watch the game. There is still a forecast for heavy rain, but I hope that the rain stays away.”
However, New Zealand currently leads the series by 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series as they won the first ODI whereas the second ODI was abandoned due to rain. And they will try to register their 14th consecutive ODI win at home as well. Notably, Tom Latham has a great record against India as well, scoring 846 runs in 17 ODI innings at an average of 65.08 as well.
“Tom Latham is a huge threat to the Indian side” – Wasim Jaffer
“Tom Latham is a huge threat to the Indian side, because of the way he operates in the middle overs against spin by counter-attacking. His wicket will be a priority for India. Williamson is also another important player, but India will be focusing on their own strengths,” Wasim Jaffer concluded.
India and New Zealand will play against each other in the third and final ODI of the series on Wednesday, November 30, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch as well.
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