(Reuters) – Mitchell Santner’s stellar seven-wicket haul on Friday put New Zealand in pole position to seal a first test series victory in India and the spinner said varying his pace on a tricky pitch had proved crucial.
Santner’s previous best figures in test cricket were 3-34 and the 32-year-old finished with 7-53 on day two of the second test in Pune as New Zealand skittled India for 156 after making 259 in the first innings.
The Black Caps reached 198-5 for a lead of 301 and will look to hand India their first series defeat at home since 2012.
Santner’s haul included the prized wicket of Virat Kohli, the Indian maestro flummoxed by a full toss that dipped late and crashed into his stumps to spark the collapse.
“I think it was more of a shock getting Kohli out with a full toss. He doesn’t usually miss those. It was slightly slower through the air and I tried to change it up. But usually if you bowl those, they get hit for six,” Santner said.
“There was a little bit there (for the spinners), which was nice, and the change of pace was key today.”
Santner said it was “satisfying” to be in a position to win a game in spin-friendly conditions that India have thrived on in the past.
“We’ve seen India squeeze a lot of teams for a long time. It was pleasing with the bat as well, trying to fire some shots and play some sweeps to take on the bowlers, because we know on the flip side as a bowler … it can upset your length,” he added.
“In the past we’ve come here and just tried to block it out and eventually one has got your name on it. We spoke about that, try to fire the first shot or have a little more intent and see what happens.
“The job’s not finished with the bat, but when the guys have shown that they can sweep, or use their feet and get down to the pitch … we’ve been in better positions to score and defend.”
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
