Cricketer-turned-broadcaster Ian Smith can’t help but think about that massive 3-0 Test series win for New Zealand in India back in late 2024 – and how they managed to turn their previously dodgy form against spin in India. He reckons it was down to the Indian batters being less effective at playing spin than they used to be. Left-arm spin legends Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner where the key players in New Zealands upset Test series win in India, ending a 12 year unbeaten run for the Indians – & Rachin Ravindra and Will Young put up some top batting numbers against the likes of the more experienced Kane Williamson & co
More recently, South Africa just shut India out in a 2 Test series in the Indians own back yard off-spinner Simon Harmer rampaging through the Indian batters on the turning tracks, showing the ordinary batsmen from India are not so good at playing spin.
When Ian Smith had a chat with PTI, he said he reckons New Zealand’s Test series won over India in 2024, plus their recent ODI win, were huge achievements.
“Its a remarkable achievement really. And to be honest I was surprised that New Zealand pulled it off – I didn’t think they’d do that. Ive noticed that some of our top players play a lot more cricket now than they used to – Ive noticed they’ve got a bit more confidence when it comes to playing spin now.
“Previous times we toured India were a bit of a disaster when it came to playing spin – weve always had some decent spinners in the side. Now the young players Ive seen come through now are more confident – and more aggressive when it comes to playing spin & it makes a big difference. “
But the spinner were the ones that really wrapped the whole thing up with some masterful bowling – Their high-profile batting line imploded when facing the left arm spin of Santner and Patel on turning tracks.
Ian Smith reckons the Indian batters have had a decline in spin play but its hard to say why – they still play a lot of cricket as a team.
“It looks like they have. And the numbers dont lie – if you look at the numbers they actually do play spin pretty well – so its probably not a case of they arent good at it – but maybe they are having a bit of a rough patch. Whether its confidence or anything else, I don’t really know – I haven’t seen it before in that sort of team”
Ian Smith is fine with the likes of Kane Williamson & Trent Boult chasing the T20 dollar but not when a young bloke like Finn Allen at 20yrs of age is going to give up on a national contract for more cash.
“But it wont stop , you know – They aint giving up on it. Especially in New Zealand because we dont have a decent T20 comp either. Our players make diddly squat out of our T20 comp. Our Super Smash is basically a joke as far as pay goes. They’re looking at putting together a new comp though
“If that happens & its as good as they say it is then maybe some of these players might stay home for a bit longer, but you cant blame them for chasing the dollar. Its just that they’re so young and giving it all up is a bit concerning.”
” When you get to Williamson’s and Conway’s and those guys in their mid to late 30s, I don’t blame them. Take the money and you’ve deserved it. But when you’re going in their mid-20s, that’s a worry,” Smith added.
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