Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari is eager to capitalise on recent experience of conditions in New Zealand during this month's Test series.
New Zealand and India will contest two Tests in Wellington and Christchurch in February. Vihari, who struck two centuries for India A and the Indians in New Zealand earlier this year, is in the squad for the Test series. India have been priced at 2.20 by bet365 to win the series opener.
“You have to understand what shots to avoid on these pitches – initially at least. Then if you can control it in your mind then I feel it's not so difficult to adjust. But once you have a certain gameplan and if you can stick to it, then I feel it's easy enough to adjust,” said Vihari.
“In international level, you have to be thinking on your feet. And I was quick enough to adjust my games according to the conditions so whenever I bat next, New Zealand or Australia, wherever it is, it is up to me what I want to do with my game and how quickly I adjust and I'm happy that I could do it.
“We experienced that against New Zealand A as well. When the wicket flattens out, they try to experiment with the short balls and I'm sure even Neil Wagner will come up with the same ploy. We've seen it before in the Australian series and the home series for them. We are prepared for it. We've got that good experience in India A as well. They did come up with short balls when we played against New Zealand A.”
Vihari or a fifth bowler?
The 26-year-old Vihari averages more than 42 after seven Tests, but has previously been left out of the XI if India overlooked a specialist batsman in favour of an additional bowler.
“Sometimes you have to understand the team combination as well. You can't get disheartened by it. I understood as well when you are playing at home, we play five bowlers. It's obvious that one batter has to miss out. So I took it in my stride. And I thought when I bat next for my team, I'll just go out there and follow my process and not try too much or not try to prove anyone but do my basics right and stick to my processes,” he added.
