India’s next Test assignment will take them to New Zealand for a two-match series beginning November 19, and former Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult believes KL Rahul will be one of the Indian batters worth watching closely.The two Tests will form part of India’s marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.“I’m always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he’s a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see,” Boult said in an interview to PTI.
Boult expects cold conditions to test India
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India’s previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer assistance to the home attack.“It’s always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand,” Boult said.“The only thing I can see happening is it’s going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it’s going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there’s a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It’s going to be a good series, I’m sure,” the star former Kiwi pacer added.
New Zealand attack has ‘bases covered’
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.“I think the bowling is very well balanced. It’s got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O’Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.“So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there’s other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow,” Boult further said.
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