New Zealand’s Tom Blundell plays a shot during the day two of the second cricket test match between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium , in Pune, India. (AP)
New Zealand wicketkeeper batter Tom Blundell has admitted that the Indian cricket team wrote them off after the Blackcaps dismal show in Sri Lanka. With an unassailable 2-0 lead against No 1 ranked Indian team, the Kiwis are gunning for a whitewash in the third Test in Mumbai, starting from Friday.
“They’re a little bit shell-shocked,” Blundell told SENZ Mornings.
“When we first came over, I think they had a slogan on TV saying five-nil for their home summer, or something along those lines.
“I’m pretty sure they wrote us off coming after Sri Lanka. But I think they’re pretty shocked in terms of what we’ve achieved, and how we’ve come out and competed and played some really good cricket to beat these guys – one of the best teams in the world.
“I think they’re a little bit shell-shocked in terms of what has happened.”
Blundell said the Indian team, who are still hurting with the series loss may come hard in the final Test. But whatever the result, they’ll be going back to New Zealand after registering a historic achievement as they have become the first team to win a Test series in India in 12 years.
“You’ve got the World Test Championship still on the line, that’s something that motivates us as well. But it’s going to be a challenge. India are probably hurting from this.
“But regardless of the result, we can go home with a pretty big smile on our faces. What we’ve achieved here is pretty immense, it’s probably one of the biggest highlights of my career.
“We’re excited. We’ve got a possibility of beating them 3-0. But regardless of that, we’re pretty chuffed.”
