‘Pretty Special’: Tom Latham In Elation After New Zealand Whitewash India

Following the Kiwis’ historic 3-0 series win over India in Tests, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham said that it was a “massive achievement” for them. In the third match of the Test series against New Zealand, Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips unleashed a spin web on Indian batters, spinning them towards history as NZ beat India by 25 runs and become the first visiting side to whitewash India in India in a series of three or more matches. India started the series on a disappointing note after the hosts conceded an eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

In the Pune Test, Rohit Sharma-led India tried to make a comeback in the three-match series, however, the hosts ended up losing against New Zealand by 113 runs. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Latham opened up on how they were trying to adapt to the conditions before coming to the Test series in India. He added that the Kiwis will “celebrate the series win as a group together over tonight and the next couple of days before we head home.”

“It’s been a massive achievement, after the first (Test) it was obviously pretty special; the second one to win a series was even more special. We spoke about coming here and trying to adapt as much as we can and to be in this position (of winning) 3-0, it’s certainly a series that I’ll never forget. We’ll obviously celebrate as a group together over tonight and the next couple of days before we head home. It’s certainly been an amazing series to be a part of… It will sink in a little bit more when we get home and once the dust settles a little bit,” Latham said.

Chasing a target of 147 runs in the Mumbai Test, India was five down at 29 runs. However, a fighting half-century by Rishabh Pant (64 in 57 balls, with nine fours and a six) kept India in the game. After his dismissal, India once again lost their footing in the game and was bundled out for 121 runs. Ajaz (6/57) took a memorable six-wicket haul. Also, Phillips (3/42) was fine with the ball, taking timely and crucial wickets.

Earlier, Kiwis were bundled out for 174, thanks to a five-wicket haul from Jadeja (5/55) and some fine bowling from Ravichandran Ashwin (3/62). A fighting half-century from Will Young (51 in 100 balls, with two fours and a six) was the NZ innings’ highlight. Kiwis took a 146-run lead over India, who made 263 in their first innings while replying to NZ’s first innings total of 235 runs. In their first innings, India had taken a 28-run lead over New Zealand. India was 84/4 at one point, but a 96-run stand between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant (60 in 59 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) helped India recover. Gill played a memorable knock of 90 in 146 balls, with seven fours and a six. A fine knock of Washington Sundar (38* in 36 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) pushed India towards a lead, taking them to 263.

Ajaz Patel (5/103) was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis. Phillips, Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry took a wicket each. Coming to the NZ first innings, Kiwis had won the toss and opted to bat first. Though spinners Jadeja (5/65) and Sundar (4/81) dominated the proceedings, half-centuries from Will Young (71 in 138 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Daryl Mitchell (82 in 129 balls, with three fours and three sixes) pushed NZ to 235. An 87-run stand between Young and Mitchell was what helped the Kiwis get to a respectable score.