John Wright surprised over India's troubles overseas

BANGALORE: Former India chief coach John Wright expressed his surprise over Team India’s prolonged winless run abroad. The 40-run defeat to New Zealand in the Auckland Test on Sunday came as another disastrous result for MS Dhoni’s boys, whose last victory on foreign soil was against the West Indies in Kingston three years ago.
"It surprises me actually.You have to try and be strong at home and away. Sourav (Ganguly), Rahul (Dravid) and Sachin (Tendulkar) were very keen to win away from home. They were very special," said Wright, who was keenly watching the Karnataka-Rest of India Irani Cup encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday.
"New Zealand is generally a difficult place to tour, most teams find it tough. New Zealand has some good youngsters in the team who are playing really well," added the Mumbai Indians coach, who is in the city ahead of the auctions for Indian Premier League’s seventh edition on Wednesday and Thursday.
Wright felt that India needed a strong partnership down the order to avoid the defeat in the first Test. However, the Kiwi believes that the visitors will be determined to win the second Test, starting at Wellington on Feb 14.
"It’s about the first innings — when you concede a lead of 300, it’s very difficult to come back into the game. They had an opportunity to win the Test in the second innings. They needed one more partnership towards the end. The last 100 runs are always difficult to chase. It will be a good Test in Wellington. India will be keen to win it and square the series," said the former New Zealand captain.
"India will have to play well in the first innings in the second Test. Given the conditions at Wellington, there will be a result. It is a fair wicket, the ball moves around."