Black Caps eye to win Wellington Test at any costs
New Zealand team. -Collected
||Desk Report||
New Zealand’s Tom Latham said that his side is looking to win the second Test match in ‘whatever way possible’. The hosts, who took lead series 1-0, are now looking to wrap up the series beating Bangladesh at any cost in the second Test scheduled to be held at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Friday.
"We're looking to win the Test match in whatever way possible. Whatever gives us the best chance that is what we will do," the Black Cap opener Tom Latham emphasized on Thursday ahead of the game.
Latham, who topped 500 runs in a home season, has returned to his happy place at in Wellington for the second Test with an amazing average of 203.67 from his last four innings. He touches a new landmark and the second batsman of Tests after the greatest Don Bradman who did it in the Australian summer of 1931-32.
"I really enjoy coming to the Basin, obviously a ground that has some good memories for me but looking at that surface, it does look reasonably green so it's about starting again and forgetting what happened last week and last test here and sticking to my own plans," the batsman said.
However, the wicket at Basin Reserve is green and tailor-made for the early seamers. Latham observed more grass this time than the docile. So, he believed if Kiwis lose the toss and are put into bat, it will be a challenge for them.
"You don't really think about that sort of stuff, it's about doing your role for the side. If we're asked to bat tomorrow morning it will be a challenge, we haven't batted first a huge amount this summer," he said.
"We are yet to decide but we are thinking of picking four pace bowlers, given the conditions. If you remember, the 2017 wicket was greenish early on too. Batsmen will find it difficult on the first day. There'll be seam movement and swing," he further added.
Bangladesh surprised after being sent into bat with the first inning of 595 for eight declared in the Wellington Test two years ago. But the visitors lost the game by seven wickets.
Latham then pointed out their ability to the wickets. He believed that Wagner, Tim Southee and Trent Boult will hope for more joy from the pitch.
"We need to find a way to take wickets and we feel we have the ability in the group to do it. You're not left with many other options. We have Wags (Neil Wagner) who is an expert at being able to execute that plan. It's been pretty effective for us so expect it will be more of the same," the Kiwi said.
Latham also added that the short-ball barrage remained an effective tactic when there was no swing. He said if the visitor's pace attack follow the same tactic then they may get some opportunities.
"Certainly this surface will offer a bit more and I'm sure if they bowl the same way they'll get more opportunities," he concluded.
