India vs New Zealand 2019: Pressure is Going to be Key - Trent Boult

New Zealand’s premier fast bowler Trent Boult believes pressure is going to hold the key. The hosts are currently trailing in the ODI series and would like to bounce back in the series. Meanwhile, the Kiwis could not come up with a collective batting performance as they faltered for 157 runs. Hence, the Blackcaps will like to turn the tables in the second ODI.

On the other hand, Trent Boult believes New Zealand has good bench strength. Thus, there is pressure on the players who are getting regular chances in the playing XI to keep their place safe in the squad.

Our Bench Strength is Strong.

New Zealand was not up to the mark with the bat and they will like to come up with a better batting performance to challenge the potent Indian side.

“In terms of our plans as a bowling unit, we want to be aggressive as we can and put pressure on them on the first few balls they face,” Boult told Newshub. “They’re quality batsmen and when they’re in they’re hard to get out.

“No one is complacent…especially in the bowling ranks. To have guys on the sideline like Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi, there is pressure on the lads who have been picked and that is healthy competition to have.

Meanwhile, Trent Boult reveals that the team strategy is to field the best possible XI on the ground. Consequently, it is difficult to give chance to players like Ish Sodhi who has done well in the recent past for the team.

No place for Ish Sodhi.

“You want to play the best bowlers who can take wickets. Ish [Sodhi] has done well for us, but where does he fit in in terms of who you don’t play?

“It is one of those things. We didn’t read the pitch that it was going to turn as it did in Napier, but moving to here, it is usually a good wicket.

On the other hand, Boult revealed that the team will like to be aggressive. However, the gun fast bowler is aware to keep the batsmen at bay since the ground is a small one and the batters would be licking their lips.

“We want to be aggressive but limit the runs because big scores can be scored on this ground. I’m sure the guys who get the nod will do well and be successful.”

“The plan is to put pressure on them early in conditions they’re not used too. If we can get a couple of wickets in the first 10 overs because we know what kinds of pressure it can put the rest of the team in the sheds.”

New Zealand didn’t have enough runs on the board to challenge the Indian side in the first match. Thus, the Kiwis will want their skipper Kane Williamson to come to the party. New Zealand will not like to lag behind by 2-0 and it is imperative that they bounce back in the series.

The second ODI will take place at Bay Oval on January 26.