New Zealand might have won only two of their 36 Test victories in India. But that’s because they have lacked quality spinners and competitive batsmen rather than high-class seamers.
The collapse of the famed Indian batting to its lowest-ever total of 46 in a home Test has put the spotlight on the underrated pacers from New Zealand. Over the years, in discussions about fast bowling legacies, the seamers from Pacific Island have made only guest appearances. The legendary Richard Hadlee aside, or Shane Bond, an unfulfilled talent, most of them have been passing references. They don’t invoke the fear of the Caribbean speed merchants or the awe of Pakistani virtuosos. Perceptions are still stuck in the dated dibbly-dobbly stereotype.
The New Zealand trio of Tim Southee, Matthew Henry and Will O’Rourke rattled India’s batting superstars on the opening day of the series. They harassed them with movement, expertise in achieving swing and seam and unflagging discipline. It is a movie India’s batsmen have watched over decades. From Bruce Taylor to Richard Hadlee and Dion Nash to Tim Southee to name but a few, New Zealand’s genial seamers have made life difficult for India in their home matches. The odds could be stacked against them — dry and low surfaces, hot and humid weather — but they have found a way through with their humbler skillsets.
New Zealand might have won only two of their 36 Test victories in India. But that’s because they have lacked quality spinners and competitive batsmen rather than high-class seamers. In 1999, Nash and Co wound up a fabled Indian batting line-up containing Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly for 83. The best of them — Hadlee (68 wickets), Southee (61) and Trent Boult (50) — have devised methods to thrive. The IPL might have provided the contemporary generation more exposure to Indian conditions. But to reduce India to a paltry 46 at home, despite the seam-bowling friendly conditions, is a rare feat. It is high time that New Zealand’s seamers commanded more time and attention in conversations about fast-bowling legacies.
