New Zealand’s dashing wicket-keeper-batsman Brendon McCullum today said the retirement of stylish Hyderabad batsman V V S Laxman ‘is a good augury’ for them as they begin their tour here on August 23. However, in the same breath, he avered that Laxman’s absence will in no way make India a weak batting side. ‘There was no doubt that Laxman has been a terrific player. Laxman and Dravid’s absence will benefit us. But then there are others, who make it the formidable outfit it is. (Virender) Sehwag, (Sachin) and (Gautam) Gambhir are champion performers and tough to get rid of’, McCullum said while talking to presspersons here.
McCullum felt that the absence of Daniel Vettori would dent the team’s prospects considerably.
He has been a seasoned campaigner and we will definitely miss him. He could have been our trump card, especially on the turners here, he said.
Opener Martin Guptil said that weather conditions could play a decisive role. ‘We played under very hot and humid conditions in West Indies. I feel everything depends on how well, and how fast, we can cope with the conditions here’, he said.
All-rounder Kane Wilkinson said that they are going to work hard to get a feel of the grass and the wicket. ‘We have a good four to five days before the start of the first Test. We will train hard and get into shape early. We are aware of the fact that the pitches in the sub-continent will be spin-friendly and India has loads of them. We are up for the challenge’, he said.
Speedster Tim Southee, who will lead the attack in the company of Doug Bracewell, insists that the West Indian tour is behind them.
‘As a fast bowler, I know the big difference between the wickets there and in India. But that is part of the game and we are prepared for the battle ahead’, he said. Considering that every Indian batsman was good, we will work out on separate strategies for each player’, Mr Southee said. UNI