It's a nice city, nice wicket to bat on. So yea, the odds are in my favour. I guess it's a combination of both (form and preparation). As long as I have clarity of what needs to be done and I know what my plan is it's great. And also having the choice of being able to move forward and back, wasn't trying to take the attack to them but taking care of my positions which is important in this part of the world. Preparation does help. When you've got six Tests in a row you're always looking to do something extra. Lucky enough it all worked out today. I was trying to get a read of different surfaces, red roil and black soil, and seeing what sort of guard I can stand on for different kinds of bowlers. Nets every single day, net bowlers coming in, all that was invaluable experience. Very grateful for those guys putting it on (facilities in Chennai).
I think we were actually going to bat first as well. Good toss to lose in the end. We put the ball in the right areas and got the results. We knew India would come back at us in the third innings but the bowlers asked nice questions with the second new ball and got us back. The partnership between Rachin and Tim put up ahead when the game was in the balance. He has been fantastic at the international stage. Pace, bounce, ability to move the ball in the air and off the wicket. He was backed up by the veteran Southee and Matt Henry as well. We know the capability Tim had with the bat. Young guy, played Test cricket a few years ago and he's slotted into a new role he's not used to. Settled the nerves in our change room with the way he came out and batted today.
It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We didn't bat well in the first innings. So knew what was ahead and couple of guys stood out. When you are 350 behind you can't think too much about it, just got to see the ball and bat. Couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch. We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort. Everyone is on the edge of the seat when those two bat. Rishabh left a few balls and then played shots. Sarfaraz showed great maturity as well. I said in my press conference that we knew it will be sticky early on but we didn't expect to be out for 46. New Zealand bowled well and we failed to respond to that. Games like these happen. We will move forward. We lost a game against England and won four games after that. We know exactly what is needed from each one of us.
It's about trying to be involved in all parts of the game. As a batter, you only get one chance and it's a bit fickle so I like to be involved with the ball as well especially in Test cricket. It comes down to attitude and enjoying my time. Have a bit of genetics on my side as well when it comes to speed and power but it's all about the enjoyment. That new ball was always going to be crucial for us, we thought if we could pick up one or two wickets and stem the flow of runs, we had a chance. They (India) put us under pressure but our bowlers bowled well and it put us in a crucial position.
The overnight rain has disappeared. The surface has played its role. The cracks have definitely widened and the Indian bowlers will be happy with that.
It feels so good when a big captain & player like Rohit bhaiya, big player like Virat bhaiya & Gautam sir tell you, well played. So it was a proud moment for me. I used to watch & follow Virat bhaiya since childhood. It's like a dream come true moment for me to play alongside Virat bhaiya & share dressing with him.
(Photo credit: AccuWeather)
Rain is expected to return in the afternoon but there is a possibility of a timely start of Day 5 of the first India vs New Zealand Test.
(Photo credit: AccuWeather)