Kohli the key for Black Caps bowlers
It is much, much easier said than done but Black Caps seamer Matt Henry says they have a few tricks up their sleeve to limit the impact of inform India captain Virat Kohli in their do-or-die clash in Ranchi.
The tourists head into Wednesday’s fourth oneday international trailing 2-1 in the series after Kohli put New Zealand’s attack to the sword with an unbeaten 154 in game three.
The sensational knock in Mohali continued a remarkable run by Kohli, who has four centuries and three fifties in his last 10 ODIs, including 85 in the series opener against the Black Caps.
The Kiwi attack have proven he is not infallible, though. The 27-year-old managed just nine as India lost game two by six runs, while Henry should have had him back in the pavilion for just five on Sunday only for Ross Taylor to drop a simple catch.
So rather than be disheartened by Kohli’s ability, Henry says they are relishing the chance to take the fight to India’s master blaster.
‘‘The way he went about his business was quite impressive,’’ Henry said.
‘‘We threw a lot of things at him and he just kept coming back at us. It was obviously a big challenge and we’ve identified a few things we’re going to try and work on for this next game. Hopefully we can implement them and try get him out nice and early.
With the series on the line, the Black Caps have increased the intensity as they attempt to make up for the disappointing 3-0 test whitewash.
As he approaches the end of his first full tour in India, Henry is the first to admit that his skills have been stretched to the limit by the foreign pitches.
But the 24-year-old has no doubt he will return to New Zealand as a better bowler.
‘‘It’s challenged us in lots of different ways,’’ Henry added. ‘‘We’ve had to adapt in different conditions, try lots of different things that you probably don’t have to try when you’re back home.
‘‘Skill-wise we’ve all learned a lot and I think we’re all going to be better for it in the long run.’’
Henry had respectable figures of 2-56 in Mohali and can also take plenty of confidence from his batting. The Canterbury paceman made 39 not out and combined with Jimmy Neesham (57) to put on 84 for the ninth wicket, which was a New Zealand ODI record.
Although, Black Caps coach Mike Hesson will be hoping he is not left with as much do to in Ranchi.
‘‘It was nice to contribute,’’ Henry said. ‘‘We do work hard on our batting as a lower order, usually to chip in and put the icing on the cake at the back-end of an innings.’’