Tom Latham openly thanks Rohit Sharma for helping NZ secure historic victory in Bengaluru Test

New Zealand captain Tom Latham praised his teammates following the eight-wicket win over India in the first Test of the three-match series in Bengaluru. Tom Latham admitted that the New Zealand team management initially planned to bat first, but losing the toss turned out to be a blessing.

The first day of the series opener was called off without a ball being bowled at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma opted to bat first after winning the toss. However, they failed to survive in challenging conditions for batters and were bowled out for just 46 runs in the first innings.

We Were Actually Going Bat First - Tom Latham

Speaking after the match, Tom Latham credited the bowlers for maintaining pressure by bowling consistently in the right areas. Latham acknowledged India's strength in home conditions but added that the New Zealand bowlers made use of the second new ball in India's second innings.

"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 for a long period of time and got the results. The first two innings set the game up for us," Latham said.

"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 the results. We know what a quality side India are in their own conditions. We saw what the new ball did for us so we expected them to do the same to us," he added.

Tim Southee Set The Tone For Us Beautifully - Tom Latham

Tom Latham said that Tim Southee set the tone for the team by removing Rohit Sharma early in the first innings. The Black Caps skipper said that William O'Rourke has been fantastic on the international stage with his pace, bounce, and ability to swing the ball.

"He (ORourke) 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. The way he (Southee) bowled up top in the first innings probably the set the tone for us beautifully and we know the capability Tim had with the bat," Latham added.

Rachin Ravindra Showed His Class In The First Innings - Tom Latham

The 32-year-old cricketer said that Rachin Ravindra played a pivotal role in New Zealand taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Latham also added that the key partnership between Ravindra and Tim Southee gave New Zealand control when the match was evenly poised.

"Young guy (Rachin), played Test cricket a few years ago. They way he has played in the last 12 months and sort of slotted into a new role he's not used to.. he showed his class in the first innings. Settled the nerves in our change room with the way he came out and batted today," Latham went on to say

"We managed to build a couple of partnerships up top and I thought the partnership between Rachin and Tim (Southee) put us on the front foot when the game was in the balance. It was nice to only chase a 100."

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