New Zealand are ready for the trial with a spin in their two-Test series against India but the world champions are excited to face the acid test, captain Kane Williamson said on Wednesday.
Winning a Test series in spin-dominated India, who have not lost a series at home since the end of 2012, is one of the toughest tasks for any team in the game.
The series between India and New Zealand, which starts with the opening match in Kanpur on Thursday, will be the first between the two teams since they met in the final of the World Test Championship in Southampton in June.
Williamson's men have won the tournament but have never won a Test series since the 1988-89 tour.
"It's been a long time since the final which was a special memory, but we know we are against a very strong team here and they are strong, especially in their own conditions," Williamson told reporters.
"I'm sure throughout the whole series, the spin element will be a definite factor. I'm sure there's no difference here in Kanpur."
The visiting team has only two training sessions as a full squad, with their T20 players taking part in a three-match series before the Tests. Williamson, who missed the T20 leg, said they had to adapt quickly.
"We know the strength of Indian spin bowlers and they have been great for a long time," Williamson said.
The hosts will be without skipper Virat Kohli, who decided to skip the first Test, while openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and fast bowlers Jaspreet Bumrah and Mohammad Shami will both miss the match.
According to Williamson, a declining Indian team will not be able to make New Zealand a favorite.
"Depth is a big force in Indian cricket in any format and we have seen it in different ways over the years," he added.
"Knowledge of their own situation is something that is also unique to the visiting team. The challenge is a big one and we look forward to taking it."
0 Comments