Moles warns India of Kiwi backlash

by S M March 22, 2009

"We will practice hard and review our team, the Indians and on how we can do things better. I can promise you that Indians will face a lot sterner examination than they did in the first Test," said New Zealand coach Andy Moles.

"We know we didn't do the basics well enough. We just didn't bat long enough in pairs and didn't bowl well enough in pairs. Something we pride ourselves in is our fielding, but we were disappointed in that aspect too. We are looking forward to Napier and are keen to get a better account of ourselves," said the Englishman.

Moles expressed disappointment with his batsmen's performance in the first Test.

"Some of them got out to poor dismissals, to a combination of a little bit of pressure and fine bowling. We have got to make sure through our own diligent method that our batters bat at least two sessions and develop partnerships," Moles said.

"It is all about making sure we bat for long periods of time. Sachin showed that emphatically. In earlier parts of his innings, by his own admission, he wasn't fluent. But he got through those difficult times. As he got in, it got easier.

"There is an age-old saying that the 'longer you bat, the easier it gets'. So that is what our batters need to do," said Moles.

We will obviously need cover for Flynn who has a bruised left hand, and O'Brien, who has got a bit of a side strain. We hope they will be all right. However, there will be one or two extra people around our preparation," said Moles.

"Jacob Oram is a world-class player. I think he got through 15 overs in the domestic game. I am sure he will come into the picture," said Moles.

"The players who were selected a week ago for the first Test were deemed to be the best players in the country. A week later I don't see reason for wholesale changes. We need continuity in the side. We don't need too many changes."

Moles said, "I believe they have moved the wicket 2 to 3 feet. So it is half on the original wicket and half on the surface where the one-dayer was played. But the groundsman is confident it will be a good wicket."