IND vs NZ 2021: We Showed A Lot Of Heart To Bat Through The Day - Kane Williamson After New Zealand Saved The Kanpur Test

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson lauded the efforts of his batters to bat throughout Day 5 and come out saving the Kanpur Test with just one wicket left. Number 11 Ajaz Patel and debutant Rachin Ravindra batted out for 52 balls for the last wicket, avoiding a loss for New Zealand.

The Kiwis had started the day at 4/1. Opener Tom Latham and nightwatchman William Somerville batted out the entire first session. India picked 4 wickets in the second session and 4 in the third, but weren’t able to nip out the last dismissal in the final hour of the game.

Kane Williamson hailed the efforts of his batters.

“It has been touch and go around this time throughout the game. Terrific game overall. All three results were still at play. We showed a lot of heart to bat through the day. Some fantastic experiences for Rachin, Ajaz and Somerville,” Kane Williamson said at the post-match presentation.

Kane Williamson speaks on Neil Wagner’s exclusion

Kane Williamson was quizzed about the exclusion of Neil Wagner as he opted for Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson. The Kiwi skipper heaped rich praises for the Southee and Jamieson, both of whom combined picked 14 Indian wickets of the total 17 to fall.

“The two fast bowlers that did play were outstanding. Bowling long overs was an unbelievable effort. We know this Indian side is a very strong one. Experience overall in this game was good to have. There are things to touch on. Getting the overs under the belt was good to have. We have to prepare for a different kind of pitch in Mumbai,” he added.

The second Test starts on December 3 in Mumbai, where India will welcome back regular captain Virat Kohli.

Also Read: IND vs NZ 2021: Watch – Tom Blundell Gets Bowled In A Bizarre Way, Ball Bounces Back Off Footmarks And Hits The Bails