India spinners leave Kiwis in a twist

INDIA’S spinners wasted little time in removing New Zealand’s remaining batters yesterday as the hosts sealed a record 372-run victory in the second Test at the Wankhede Stadium to secure the series 1-0.

It was the biggest margin of victory by runs for India in a home match, eclipsing their 337run win against South Africa in a Delhi Test in 2015.

With the series victory, India also avenged their defeat to New Zealand in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in Southampton in June.

“I know this result looks a bit one-sided but right through the series we’ve been made to work hard,” Rahul Dravid, India’s newlyappointed head coach, said.

“There have been phases of the game where we’ve been behind and had to fight back. Credit to the team for pulling themselves out of some difficult positions.”

Captain Virat Kohli said his team were flying high despite losing the world Test championship final and failing to reach the

T20 World Cup semifinals last month.

“The year has been very good for us, we have played very good cricket. There were two setbacks in T20 World Cup and World Test Championship,” Virat said.

“Victories in England and in Australia gave us a lot of confidence. See, the Indian team is expected to win everything but that’s not realistic.”

Tom Latham, leading the side in place of the injured Kane Williamson, said the tourists were fighting an uphill battle after being bundled out for 62 in their first innings.

“Disappointing performance, we always knew it was going to be tough coming over to these parts of the world.”